Essex Men v Middlesex Men
Vitality Blast
Ambassador Cruise Line Ground, Chelmsford
Sunday 08 June 2025, 2pm
Essex fell to defeat against Glamorgan Men on Friday but will return home on Sunday with a chance to kick-start the Vitality Blast campaign in front of the Chelmsford faithful.
An impressive batting display from Glamorgan captain Kiran Carlson led the Welsh side to a six-wicket victory, chasing down Essex’s total of 183. The Eagles’ innings included a second T20 half-century for Michael Pepper, whilst Paul Walter was the standout bowler, taking 2/35.
Despite a winless start to the competition, Chris Silverwood’s side remain focused on securing their first victory of the season against a Middlesex team also searching for their opening win.
The Inside Line: Chris Silverwood
Squad
Essex have named a 14-player squad for the home tie on Sunday. Jamal Richards is rested and is replaced by Simon Fernandes who is yet to feature in a T20 XI since signing a rookie contract for the Club.
The Opposition: Middlesex
Captain: Steve Eskinazi
Overseas Players: Kane Williamson (New Zealand, full competition) and Josh Little (Ireland, full competition)
Finals Day Appearances: One (2008)
Titles: One (2008)
2024 Finish: Eighth (South Group)
2024 Leading Run-Scorer: Martin Andersson (282)
2024 Leading Wicket-Taker: Luke Hollman (23)
Middlesex squad: Steve Eskinazi (c), Henry Brookes, Noah Cornwell, Joe Cracknell, Jack Davies (wk), Leus du Plooy, Ben Geddes, Zafar Gohar, Tom Helm, Ryan Higgins, Luke Hollman, Josh Little, Kane Williamson.
Last Time We Met: Middlesex
Paul Walter turned in a superb two-over spell as Essex ground out a third Vitality Blast victory in a row with a 16-run win on DLS over Middlesex at Lord’s in difficult and rainy conditions.
Jordan Cox top-scored with 31 not out from 19 balls, while home seamer Noah Cornwell claimed 2/29 as the Eagles crashed their way to 129-4 from a curtailed 12.4-over innings.
In response, a severely-truncated innings saw the hosts set 80 to win from 36 balls, and Walter bowled a game-turning 2/16 to restrict them to 63-2, handing Essex a morale-boosting win.
South Group Preview
Click here for Part 1 of the team-by-team preview of each of this year’s South Group contenders.
Click here for Part 2 of the team-by-team preview of each of this year’s South Group contenders.
How To Watch
Tickets are still available for Sunday’s clash at the Ambassador Cruise Line Ground but must be purchased in advance. The game will include a range of family fun activities, including face painters, cricket sessions and a chance to meet the Eagles after play.
Alternatively, you can follow the action via the Club’s live stream. This is available on Essex Cricket TV’s YouTube channel or head to the Matchzone for a video scorecard, stats and clips of the action.
Purchase your Essex Double Header tickets!
Our next double header at the Ambassador Cruise Line Ground comes against Hampshire Hawks and Glamorgan on Thursday 12 June.
The Essex Women will face Hampshire Hawks Women at 2:30pm before the Men take on Glamorgan at 6:30pm.
Tickets are still available via our Ticket Site, so have a browse and get your Vitality Blast T20 tickets booked.
