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Vitality Blast Preview: Hampshire Hawks v Somerset
THE MATCH
Somerset take on Hampshire Hawks at Utilita Bowl in the Vitality Blast tomorrow (Sunday July 14th).
Play is due to start at 2:30pm.
Tickets for this match are still available.
HOW CAN I KEEP UP TO DATE?
You can keep up to date with a live blog via our dedicated Match Centre and also on our X feed.
There will also be a live stream of the game provided by Hampshire CCC.
In addition to this, a report on the day’s play along with quotes will be posted on this website.
THE OPPOSITION
Captain: James Vince
Overseas players: Ben McDermott (Australia), Michael Neser (Australia, first eight matches), Ottniel Baartman (South African, last six matches and knockouts)
Finals Day appearances: Ten (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2021, 2022, 2023)
Titles: Three (2010, 2012, 2022)
2023 finish: Semi-finals
2023 leading runscorer: James Vince (670)
2023 leading wicket taker: Nathan Ellis (23)
Key winter moves: Nathan Ellis hasn’t been retained despite two glorious seasons, instead seamers Michael Neser and Ottniel Baartman – a two-time SA20 champion under Adi Birrell – share his place.
The big question: Can John Turner hit the same heights as last season? The uber-quick bowler began with a double wicket maiden, took 21 wickets at an average of 11.76 and an economy of 6.67, and ended with an England contract. Injuries have restricted him to three first-team matches since Finals Day though.
Final thought: The Hawks know how to get to Finals Day, and an 11th appearance, which would be a fourth in a row, is certainly the minimum requirement. There are deep depths to the batting – a run of Dawson, Howell, Fuller, Neser from six to nine is opulent, especially after Vince up top – and the bowlers have all bases covered, especially with the dynamic quick attack.
TEAM NEWS
Somerset have named an unchanged squad for the fixture: Lewis Gregory, Tom Banton, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Tom Abell, Sean Dickson, Tom Lammonby, George Thomas, Ben Green, Migael Pretorius, Craig Overton, Riley Meredith, Jake Ball and Jack Leach.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
“The performance against Surrey was much needed and it gives us some momentum going into the Hampshire game.
“Hampshire are a very good white ball side and we’ve had some real battles against them in this format over the years. We just need to concentrate on our game, take it one game at a time and try to win our remaining matches.”
CLASSIC MATCH
We go back to last summer for our classic match between the two sides.
It was a match that saw Somerset dominate their opponents.
Somerset went on to win by eight wickets after bowling Hampshire out for just 74.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
You can find out everything that you need to know about attending the game via the Official Hampshire Website.
TRADE NATION STAT
NEXT MATCH
Our next match is on Thursday July 18th when we welcome Sussex Sharks to the Cooper Associates County Ground in the Vitality Blast.
Tickets for this match are still available.
