T20 Blast 2020: South Group, Essex vs Middlesex - 11Wickets Fantasy Cricket Tips – Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

Match Details

The opening match of the Vitality T20 Blast’s South Group will be played between Essex and Middlesex at the County ground in Chelmsford.

This match is scheduled to start at 02:00 PM Local Time (6:30 PM IST) (01:00 PM UTC).

Preview

The South Group matches of the T20 Blast will get underway with the match between Essex and Middlesex. Middlesex will miss their skipper Eoin Morgan but their 14-man squad looks strong and they will be keen on opening their campaign with a win. The last face-off between the two teams was washed out due to rain while the Essex lead the head to head battle in last five matches by 3-1.

Weather Report

There are no chances of rain at all with the temperature expectedto hover around 18 Degrees Celsius.

Pitch Report

The pitch was absolutely flat last year during the T20 Blast at the venue and this year, the same is expected.

Average 1st innings score: 193 (Last four completed matches considered)

Record of Chasing Teams: Won: 1, Lost: 3

Injury & Availability News

(Will be added when there’s an update)

Probable Playing XIs

Essex

Adam Wheater (wk), Sam Cook, Varun Chopra, Tom Westley, Jack Plom, Ryan ten Doeschate, Cameron Delport, Simon Harmer (c), Jamie Porter, Matthew Quinn, Aaron Beard. 

Bench: Michael Pepper, Shane Snater, Paul Walter, Ben Allison, Aron Nijjar, Dan Lawrence. 

Middlesex

John Simpson (wk), Stephen Eskinazi, Max Holden, Dan Lincoln, Joe Cracknell, Martin Andersson, Luke Hollman, Steven Finn (c), Nick Gubbins, Nathan Sowter, James Harris.

Bench: Jack Davies, Miguel Cummins, Tom Helm.

Top Picks

Simon Harmer is the most reliable player for Essex and he has to be picked in your Fantasy team. Cameron Delport is the South African T20 veteran and his batting will play a crucial role for his team. Martin Andersson scored 92 runs against Hampshire in recent FC match and also scalped 7 wickets against Sussex.

Captain and Vice-Captain Options

Captain Options: Cameron Delport, Simon Harmer

Vice-Captain Options: Martin Andersson, Tom Westley

Suggested Playing XI No.1 for Fantasy Cricket:

Keeper – John Simpson

Batsmen – Varun Chopra, Tom Westley (VC), Stephen Eskinazi, Max Holden 

All-Rounders – Ryan ten Doeschate, Martin Andersson, Cameron Delport (c)

Bowlers – Jamie Porter, Matthew Quinn, Steven Finn

12th Man – Luke Hollman

Suggested Playing XI No.2 for Fantasy Cricket:

Keeper – Adam Wheater

Batsmen – Tom Westley, Stephen Eskinazi, Varun Chopra, Max Holden

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

Bowlers – Jamie Porter, Matt Quinn, Steven Finn

12th Man – Luke Hollman

Expert Advice

Steven Finn will be leading Middlesex this time around in Eoin Morgan’s absence and he will be keen to lead from the front.

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.