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: Birmingham Bears v Derbyshire Falcons
Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham
Date: Thursday, June 24, 2021
Start time: 6.30pm
What’s the lowdown?
The Bears come into this game off an away defeat by Durham - mainly courtesy of Cameron Bancroft, the Australian's quickfire 76 was enough to push the total out of reach. The Bears won't be too concerned, however, with a prior four-game winning streak putting them up to nine points.
Their guests on Thursday night are in a more precarious position near the foot of the table. Billy Godlemen's squad have just one win in their last five, their most recent outing a defeat away to Leicestershire Foxes, falling short by 42 runs. The Falcons will be aware of the fact that they sit a fair distance off the qualification places as it stands - only Northamptonshire Steelbacks are behind them.
This is the reverse fixture from the game held on June 13 - where the Bears ran out winners by three wickets in a comfortable run chase.
Who’s in form?
Sam Hain, the middle-order batsman, has emerged as one of the Blast's standout players so far. The right-hander is averaging an impressive 71.50. It's been a more mixed start for the opener Pieter Malan - who had to settle for a duck when the teams last met, but returned a handy 63 against Northants.
Allrounder Carlos Brathwaite has been a useful bowler for the Bears. The Barbadian has recorded 10 wickets so far in the tournament, his spells have come at an economy of 7.96. Derbyshire will also be aware of Danny Briggs, the left-arm spinner whose best return this season was a 3 for 35 against Leicestershire, taking his total up to nine for the tournament.
Some of the Falcons' individual batting performances have not been reflected in their position in the table. Leus de Plooy stormed to 92 in their defeat by Lancashire Lightning on June 12, propping his average up to 48.00.
Logan van Beek of the Netherlands has continued to demonstrate his quality in limited-overs with the ball for Derbyshire - he's now taken 12 wickets, while teammate Finn Hudson-Prentice is only just behind him on 11.
What’s the team news?
Birmingham Bears' Dan Mousley has been ruled out by a broken finger sustained in practice on Wednesday. Matt Lamb comes into the squad. The Bears are still also without Jake Lintott (Covid), Olly Stone (back), Henry Brookes (thigh) and Rob Yates (illness). Chris Woakes is away with England.
Birmingham Bears squad: Will Rhodes, Carlos Brathwaite, Jacob Bethell, Tim Bresnan, Danny Briggs, Michael Burgess, Sam Hain, Adam Hose, Matt Lamb, Pieter Malan, Craig Miles, Liam Norwell, Ed Pollock
Matt Critchley begins his stint as T20 captain of Derbyshire, with Billy Godleman dropping out of the squad, while Tom Wood and Anuj Dal will undergo fitness tests.
Derbyshire squad: Luis Reece, Tom Wood, Leus du Plooy, Matt Critchley, Harry Came, Brooke Guest, Fynn Hudson-Prentice, Michael Cohen, Anuj Dal, Mattie McKiernan, Logan van Beek, George Scrimshaw, Conor McKerr
Last five T20 results (most recent first)
Birmingham Bears: LAWWW
Derbyshire Falcons: LLLWL
Head-to-head T20 record
Total matches: 11
Birmingham Bears wins: 7
Derbyshire Falcons wins: 4
Tied: 0
Abandoned: 2
No result: 0
Latest Derbyshire Falcons news
What’s the weather forecast?
Keep up to date with the MetOffice’s rolling forecast for Edgbaston: Click here
Going to the game?
Tickets
This match is sold out and no tickets will be available on the day.
Click here for the Edgbaston box office.
Travel
Address: Edgbaston Stadium, Edgbaston Rd, Birmingham, B5 7QU
Parking: There will be no parking available to purchase in advance or on the day for this fixture.
Parking will be available on-site for annual car park pass holders only. A small number of disabled parking spaces will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Public car parking may also be available on a pay and display basis in Cannon Hill Park and/or the Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Centre. These car parks are not operated by Edgbaston.
By bus: There are regular local buses to the ground from south west Birmingham and the city centre. National Express buses 45 and 47 have services between the city centre and Pershore Road which is a two-minute walk to the ground.
More information on local buses can be found by clicking here.
By train: Birmingham New Street Station is the main rail hub for the city with connections from all over the country.
How do I follow the match?
Birmingham Bears 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?
Birmingham Bears are heavy favourites, and for good reason.
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