Bob Willis Trophy, 2020: South Group, Essex vs Middlesex- Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips- Playing XI, Pitch Report and Injury Update

Match Details:

Essex will take on Middlesex in the fifth and final round of the Bob Willis Trophy which is set to be the final opportunity for all teams to make it to the final.

This match is scheduled to start at 10:30 AM Local Time (3 PM IST) and may be viewed on Middlesex’s YouTube channel in India.

Preview:

Essex, the current table toppers of South Group are up against Middlesex, who are placed third. Essex has had a wonderful season, winning 3 of their 4 games with one draw and sit pretty at 70 points. They have pulled off a couple of nervy chases and have looked a team full of belief right through the season. The presence of a number of stars has just added to their strength.

Middlesex, on the other hand, have been good but have let a couple of sessions slip away which has cost them big. They have 2 wins in 4 games with one loss and one draw and sit at 59 points. Despite not having any big names, they have done well and while their chances of making it to the final are bleak, they will be looking to finish the championship on a high.

Weather Report

A number of games in this English summer have been called off due to incessant rains but it is unlikely that this one will be. The forecast for all 4 days of the game in Chelmsford is more or less clear, with not more than 3-5% rainfall expected. The temperatures will be cool with a high of 22 and low of 9 degree Celsius. The conditions are perfect for a quality 4-day game.

Pitch Condition/Report:

The track at The County Ground in Chelmsford this season has been very sporting, with something on offer for everyone. While the first match saw a score of 398 in one innings, the average per innings score was 250 while in the second match it was around 220.

The track has offered swing for the pacers early on, while making it relatively easy for batting after the new ball. The last few sessions have been dominated by spinners. Expect another competitive game on this pitch.

Injury and Availability News:

Toby Roland Jones misses out for Middlesex due to his persistent shoulder problem which rules him out for the remainder of the season.

Tom Helm and Ben Cullen rested by Middlesex.

Probable Playing XIs:

Essex:

Paul Walter, Sir Alastair Cook, Tom Westley(c), Daniel Lawrence, Feroze Khushi, Ryan ten Doeschate, Adam Wheater(wk), Simon Harmer, Aaron Beard, James Porter, Samuel Cook

Bench: Ben Allison, Mick Browne

Middlesex:

Sam Robson, Max Holden, Nick Gubbins, Stephen Eskinazi(c), Robbie White, Martin Andersson, John Simpson(wk), James Harris, Miguel Cummins, Thilan Walallawita, Tim Murtagh

Bench: Ethan Bamber, Jack Davies, Nathan Sowter

Top Picks:

Simon Harmer has continued his superlative form from last few seasons this year as well and is the Championship’s highest wicket-taker with 28 wickets in 4 games of which he did not bowl in one. In the game before the washed-out match, Harmer picked up 8 wickets. But it is at Chelmsford where he has been particularly devastating, picking up 20 wickets in 2 games this season including 14 in one. He is the perfect pick for this fixture.

The 39-year-old Tim Murtagh, Middlesex legend and Ireland international has been ageing like fine wine. He has been absolutely phenomenal this season and is the third highest wicket taker with 21 wickets in 3 games. He comes into the match in form having picked up 7 wickets in the last game including a fifer. He has bowled with a lot of fire and zip this season and seems to be enjoying his cricket. He holds the key for Middlesex.

James Porter has been Harmer’s partner in crime at Essex. He has picked up 18 wickets this season as well and has looked as menacing as ever. There are very few bowlers in England currently who are as deadly in swinging conditions as Porter. He has picked up 10 wickets in 2 games at Chelmsford and expect him to test the batsmen once again with his accuracy.

Sir Alastair Cook may have retired from International cricket, but he has shown there is still some cricket left in him. While he didn’t have a great start to the season, he got a magnificent 129* in Essex’s last game which was washed out. Despite not being at his absolute best, Cook has scored 333 runs in 7 innings and we all know how brilliant a player Cook is. He will look to carry on the form from the last game and hope to make a mark yet again.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Captain Options – Simon Harmer, Tim Murtagh

Vice-Captain Options – James Porter, Alastair Cook

Suggested Playing XI No.1 for Fantasy Cricket:

Keeper – John Simpson

Batters – Alastair Cook, Ryan ten Doeschate, Nick Gubbins, Max Holden

All-Rounders – Simon Harmer(c), Martin Andersson

Bowlers – James Porter(vc), Tim Murtagh, Miguel Cummins, Samuel Cook

Suggested Playing XI No.2 for Fantasy Cricket:

Keeper – Robbie White

Batters – Alastair Cook(vc), Ryan ten Doeschate, Nick Gubbins

All-Rounders – Simon Harmer, James Harris, Paul Walter

Bowlers – James Porter, Tim Murtagh(c), Miguel Cummins, Samuel Cook

Expert Advice:

Look out for the big West Indian pacer Miguel Cummins. He has already picked up a fifer and looks to be hitting top form. Ryan ten Doeschate hasn’t really fired much this season. This could be his game to shine.

Probable Winners:

Essex is expected to win this match.

Note: Updated Fantasy teams and Playing XIs of every match will be provided in our Telegram channel if the information is available.

Disclaimer: This team is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.