Hampshire Hawks v Essex
Vitality Blast
Utilita Bowl, Southampton
Friday 19 July, 7:00pm
It’s do-or-die for Essex heading into the final South Group game of the 2024 Vitality Blast away to Hampshire Hawks at the Utilita Bowl.
After a sensational win over Sussex Sharks last Saturday thanks to Michael Pepper’s barnstorming century, the Eagles remain in contention for the quarter-finals and just need to win in Southampton to seal it.
A victory for Middlesex over Gloucestershire in Chelmsford last night would have seen Anthony McGrath’s side safely into the last eight before a ball was even bowled in Southampton.
However, the two points that the West Country side picked up means the Eagles will have one final crunch clash to win to seal a third consecutive knockout stage appearance.
Squad
With qualification on the line, Head Coach McGrath has named a 14-strong group to travel to Hampshire.
The Inside Line: Paul Walter
The Opposition
Considering their status as one of the most successful teams in the history of the Blast, Hampshire have somewhat underwhelmed in this year’s competition.
The Hawks are one of only two teams to have won the competition three times, joint with Leicestershire Foxes, but their recent run of three consecutive Finals Days has been ended this year.
They currently sit seventh in the South Group, having won just three of their 13 games so far, and are currently on a run of just one victory in their last ten matches.
Joe Weatherley’s 303 runs at 33.66 mark him out as the Hawks’ leading batter, while Michael Neser and John Turner lead the way with the ball, having both claimed 11 wickets.
Hampshire Hawks squad: James Vince*, Toby Albert, Liam Dawson, James Fuller, Benny Howell, Eddie Jack, Ben McDermott+, Fletcha Middleton, Tom Prest, John Turner, Joe Weatherley, Brad Wheal, Chris Wood.
Last Time We Met
Essex sealed a convincing eight-wicket win the last time the sides met, at The Cloud County Ground a little under one month ago.
After winning the toss and electing to field, the Eagles restricted Hampshire to 166-7, with 48 from Joe Weatherley and James Fuller’s quickfire 39 restrained by three wickets for Ben Allison.
In response, Dean Elgar struck 60 not out from 44 balls and found confident support from Michael Pepper and Jordan Cox, who hit 44 from 24 and 45 off 25, respectively.
Cox’s innings was also unbeaten, as his unbroken third-wicket stand with Elgar of 59 in just 36 balls saw the hosts knock off their modest target with more than three full overs to spare.
South Group Table
How To Watch
If you are not accompanying the Eagles down the M3 to Southampton, the match will be live-streamed on the hosts’ YouTube channel and will be available to watch through the Essex Cricket Matchzone.
A report will be published on the Club website at the conclusion of the game, while live updates and highlights will be provided on the Essex Cricket social media channels.
Tickets
Seating is unreserved for this match and tickets are still available for the match from Hampshire’s website, priced at £26 for adults and £7 for juniors.
To buy your tickets and support the Eagles on the south coast, visit the link below:
School’s out, cricket’s in: 50-over cricket in Chelmsford this summer
White-ball action at The Cloud County Ground continues into July and August as the Metro Bank One-Day Cup gets underway.
The competition has not only recently proven itself to be wide open and highly competitive, but also a breeding ground for the next generation of elite cricketers.
With all four matches set to take place during the school summer holidays, each fixture makes a perfect family day out in the heart of Chelmsford.
Wednesday 24 July, 11:00am: Essex v Warwickshire – buy here
Wednesday 31 July, 11:00am: Essex v Leicestershire Foxes – buy here
Sunday 04 August, 11:00am: Essex v Glamorgan – buy here
Friday 09 August, 2:00pm: Essex v Surrey – buy here
Alongside the offering of men’s Metro Bank One Day Cup action, The Cloud County Ground will also host two Women’s London Championship matches during the summer holidays.
Friday 26 July, 11:00am: Essex Women v Kent – buy here
Wednesday 14 August, 11:00am: Essex Women v Sussex – buy here
