T20 Blast 2020: South Group, Essex vs Middlesex - Dream11 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

Defending champions of the T20 Blast Essex will open their campaign against Middlesex. Essex will look to get off to a winning start, but Middlesex captain Steven Finn would have other plans. Middlesex has named a stellar 14-man squad for the upcoming match. 

The previous battle between Essex and Middlesex was washed away because of rain. In the match played earlier, Middlesex defeated Essex by seven wickets. However, the head-to-head record in the last five matches between Essex and Middlesex 3-1. 

Weather Report

There are no chances of rain in Chelmsford during the match time. The temperature will stay around 18 degrees, while the skies will stay cloudy.

Pitch Report

Three out of seven Vitality T20 Blast matches played at Chelmsford last year were washed out because of rain. The batsmen enjoyed batting here, while the pitch was helpful to the spinners and medium pacers. 

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 will be the most reliable pick from Essex. He will lead the team in this match and the South African all-rounder should do well on the track that has been helpful to the slower bowlers.  

Cameron Delport has reached England and is available to play. The South African all-rounder is a match-winner in T20s and can score many points in this game. 

Martin Andersson was in brilliant touch during the recently played first-class matches. He played a knock of 92 runs against Hampshire, while also picking up seven wickets versus Sussex. His recent form makes him a ‘must have’ pick. 

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

Suggested Playing XI No.2 for Fantasy Cricket:

Keeper – Adam Wheater

Batsmen – Tom Westley, Stephen Eskinazi, Varun Chopra 

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

Bowlers – Jamie Porter, Aaron Beard, Steven Finn

Expert Advice

Although the pitch had assisted the slower bowlers and batsmen in the previous season, it would be wrong to drop Steven Finn out of the equation in fantasy cricket. He will lead Middlesex in the absence of Eoin Morgan and can emerge as the most successful bowler from his team. 

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.