Match times, streaming information, tickets and travel, team news, weather forecast, form, prediction and everything else you need to know ahead of the latest round of the Vitality Blast...
Fixture: Essex Eagles v Hampshire Hawks
Venue: Cloudfm County Ground, Chelmsford
Date: Friday, June 11, 2021
Start time: 7pm
What’s the lowdown?
There were contrasting fortunes on the road for these two sides in their openers. Hampshire looked to have a golden opportunity to kick off their tournament in style against a depleted Kent side at Canterbury but were undone by the combined brilliance of Fred Klaassen, fresh from uprooting Irish poles for the Netherlands, and, you guessed it, Darren Stevens.
Essex, meanwhile, were irresistible in their visit to Taunton with new boy Jimmy Neesham making an immediate impression, mullering 53 from 25 as the Eagles chased down Somerset’s 185 with an over to spare.
The last time Essex hosted Hampshire the visitors ended the host’s 13-month unbeaten run in all formats with a three-wicket win in 2020’s Blast.
A pitch tailor-made to maximise off-spinner Simon Harmer’s threat backfired as Mason Crane snuffed out the Eagle’s attacking intent with 3 for 18. With both spinners proving effective in their opening games it will be interesting to see whether the Chelmsford groundsman sticks with a track that takes turn.
Who’s in form?
Crane was the bright spot in a faltering Hawks’ bowling performance at Kent. With 3 for 23 from his four overs, he and Liam Dawson (who went a seven runs-per-over) provided some much needed control as the seamers went round the park. Hampshire’s batting looked promising in the powerplay, with James Vince and D’Arcy Short taking their side to 51 without loss before Stevens sparked Hampshire’s capitulation to 138 for 9 chasing 177.
For Essex, Neesham proved an explosive presence with the bat in the lower-middle order and carved leg-spinner Max Waller for three fours and a six in a single over: a good omen in light of the challenge presented by Crane. Meanwhile with the ball, though Harmer was typically ascetic going at less than six runs-per-over, it was seamer Sam Cook who proved the trump card, taking 3 for 14 from his three overs.
What’s the team news?
Essex squad: Simon Harmer, Aaron Beard, Will Buttleman, Varun Chopra, Sam Cook, Jimmy Neesham, Aron Nijjar, Michael Pepper, Jack Plom, Jamie Porter, Shane Snater, Ryan ten Doeschate, Paul Walter, Tom Westley, Adam Wheater (WK)
Hampshire have named a 15-man squad for this fixture, and Saturday's clash with Sussex Sharks.
Teenager Tom Prest and seamer Ryan Stevenson are included for the first time this season.
Hampshire squad: James Vince, Kyle Abbott, Tom Alsop, James Fuller, Liam Dawson, Ian Holland, Chris Wood, Tom Prest, Lewis McManus, D'Arcy Short, Joe Weatherley, Brad Wheal, Sam Northeast, Mason Crane, Ryan Stevenson
Last five T20 results (most recent first)
Essex Eagles: WLLLWL
Hampshire Hawks: LLWLL
Head-to-head T20 record
Total matches: 33
Essex Eagles wins: 13
Hampshire Hawks wins: 13
Tied: 3
Abandoned: 4
No result: 4
What’s the weather forecast?
Keep up to date with the MetOffice’s rolling forecast for Chelmsford: Click here
Going to the game?
Tickets
Attendance is for members only, via a ballot.
Click here to access the Essex box office.
Travel
Address: County Ground, New Writtle Street, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 OPG
By train: Chelmsford Railway Station is approximately 10 minutes' walk from the ground.
Coming out of the station, walk north on Duke Street and then turn left onto Park Road. Turn right going between Middleditch Court and Norman Court before turning left. When reaching the Parkway main road, turn left before quickly turning right to cross into the Park.
Having crossed the River Can, keep straight until hitting New Writtle Street where you must turn left. After approximately 350 feet, turn left and the ground is on the right.
By car: The stadium has a pay and display carpark with cash payment machines located on site.
Chelmsford City Centre’s High Chelmer multi-storey car par is a five-minute walk from the ground and can be accessed via New London Road after turning left off Parkway. This car park’s post code is CM2 OLG.
There are two park and ride sites in Chelmsford which offer bus services into the city centre. The first site is Chelmer Valley, postcode CM2 7RZ, and the second is located at CM3 3PR.
By bus: Chelmsford Bus Station is on Duke Street, right next to the Railway Station. Bus No.42 and No.100 stop on New London road, approximately a two-minute walk to the ground.
How do I follow the match?
Essex will offer live coverage of the match via their website: Click here
All T20 Blast matches are also available via the ECB's central hub: Click here
The matches can also be viewed on mobile via the ECB app.
Radio: All Vitality Blast fixtures will be available on BBC Local Radio stations with extensive coverage also on 5 Live Sports Extra.
Digital: The Cricketer will carry live scorecards and updates from every Vitality Blast match in 2021, as well as the latest breaking news from around the counties and exclusive features. Visit our County Hub for more.
Prediction?
Essex looked impressive in a tough game at Somerset. Hampshire must improve on their opening-night display if they want to get a result. Home win.
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