Men’s Vitality Blast Preview: Worcestershire Rapids v Somerset
THE MATCH
Somerset travel to Visit Worcestershire New Road to take on Worcestershire Rapids in the Vitality Blast tomorrow.
This match is part of a double header.
Tickets for this match are still available:
Somerset are currently fourth in the group table with 12 points from seven matches whilst Worcestershire Rapids are fifth with the same number of points but an inferior net run rate
HOW CAN I KEEP UP TO DATE?
You can keep up to date using the dedicated Match Centre on this website.
There will be a live stream of this match provided by Worcestershire County Cricket Club.
In-play updates will also appear on our X feed (formerly Twitter).
In addition to this, a report on the day’s play along with quotes will be posted on this website.
THE OPPOSITION
Captain: Brett D’Oliveira
Overseas players:Â Sikandar Raza (Pakistan, all). Usama Mir (Pakistan, all)
Finals Day appearances:Â Two (2018, 2019)
Titles:Â One (2018)
2025 finish:Â 5th in North Group
2025Â leading run-scorer:Â Ethan Brookes (380)
2025Â leading wicket-taker:Â Ben Dwarshuis (18)
Key winter moves: With last season’s leading wicket-taker, Aussie seamer Ben Dwarshuis, unavailable this summer, the Pears have invested heavily in spin with the signings of Pakistan pair Sikandar Raza and Usama Mir.
The big question:Â Can the Rapids transfer their inspiring 50-over form of 2025 into the shorter format? They have players capable of turning matches but a consistent lack of consistency has meant they have progressed beyond the group stage in only one of the last six seasons.
Wildcard watch: Dan Lategan – the 19-year-old batter arrived at New Road too late for the Blast last season but made an eye-catching start in both red-ball and 50-over formats. After two months tasting the different pressures of red-ball cricket, the fluent strokemaker could be ready to free up and fly in the Blast.
Final thought: The Rapids’ Blast history began back on 13 June 2003 with an absolute thriller – a one-wicket win over Northamptonshire achieved with one ball to spare thanks to Stephen Moore’s audacious unbeaten 39 from 27 balls. It is time for the Rapids, having shown what they can do in bursts in recent seasons, to combine efficiency with the thrilling cameos and string some wins together to reach their third Finals Day.
TEAM NEWS
Somerset are without Tom Abell (hand), Lewis Gregory (hamstring) and Migael Pretorius (pectoral).
A starting XI will be named from the following squad:
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Ahead of the match, Somerset Head Coach, Jason Kerr said: “I didn’t think we were necessarily at our best last night, which makes it even more gratifying. From a batting point of view, obviously James Rew played an incredible innings. It was one of the best we’ve seen for a while. With the ball, once we got out of the power play, that was what Somerset’s all about. That’s when we demonstrated our real identity. We scrapped and fought hard and obviously got a great four points, so that gives us huge momentum going into Sunday.
“You saw how much it meant to the guys last night and that breeds confidence. It’s a quick turnaround so we need to feed off this and make it two from two. That’s how we’ve got to see it now.”
TRADE NATION STAT
Best win % for Somerset players (min. 25 matches)
- Tom Kohler-Cadmore 78.4%
- Riley Meredith 74.0%
- Will Smeed 73.8%
CLASSIC MATCH
We head back to 2008 for the classic match between Somerset and Worcestershire in T20 cricket at the Cooper Associates County Ground.
Somerset Captain, Justin Langer won the toss and elected to bat but he fell for a first ball duck.
Undeterred by the early setback, Marcus Trescothick and Peter Trego added 83 for the second wicket before the latter was dismissed for 18.
Trescothick continued to dominate the visiting attack and made 107 from just 57 balls as the home side posted a total of 212 for eight.
Charl Willoughby and Mark Turner reduced Worcestershire to 25 for four and the visitors never recovered. Only two batters made a score in excess of 20 as they were bowled out for 145 in the 17th over as Somerset claimed the victory by 67 runs.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
If you are planning to attend the match, all the information you need can be found on the official Worcestershire CCC Website.
NEXT MATCH
Somerset are next in action on Sunday July 5th when we take on the Northants Steelbacks at the cinch County Ground.
This match is part of a double header.
Tickets for this match are available now:
