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: Somerset v Gloucestershire
Venue: Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton
Date: Sunday, July 18, 2021
Start time: 6.30pm
What’s the lowdown?
The final game of the South Group is an important one for both Somerset and Gloucestershire.
The home team go into the game in second place, knowing victory will guarantee themselves a quarter-final at Taunton. They are already assured of a top-four finish.
Lose, however, and they risk slipping into third or even fourth, and facing an away trip in the first knockout round.
Gloucestershire are fifth but will make certain of a last-eight spot with a win, which would take them above Surrey.
Who’s in form?
Devon Conway returned to blistering form in victory over Glamorgan on Friday night.
The New Zealand international made 70 from 52 balls to register his fourth Blast half-century in seven innings this year. Conway is averaging 76.25 for Somerset over the course of the campaign.
Two other Somerset players have breached the 200-run barrier this term - Will Smeed and Tom Banton - while Tom Lammonby gave a glimpse of what he can do with a 20-ball 34 in the win against Glamorgan.
With the ball, the West Country side were ruthless last time out - restricting Glamorgan to 107. Lewis Goldworth claimed 3 for 14 from his four overs, while Roelof van der Merwe took 3 for 20. Marchant de Lange is the county's top wicket-taker in the competition this year, with 14 at 19.78.
Gloucestershire have the stand-out batsman of the Blast, Glenn Phillips, at their disposal.
Phillips, another Kiwi, has made 471 runs at an average of 58.87 this year, with a ferocious strike rate of 164.11. He has returned just two scores below 40 in his past seven T20 innings for the county.
Benny Howell is Gloucestershire's leading wicket-taker with 14, while Josh Shaw has 13 in the Blast this term.
What’s the team news?
Somerset: Somerset are once again without Tom Banton and Lewis Gregory (international duty), and Tom Abell (hamstring). Craig Overton will captain the side.
Somerset squad: Craig Overton, Jack Brooks, Devon Conway, Steve Davies, Marchant de Lange, Lewis Goldsworthy, Ben Green, James Hildreth, Tom Lammonby, Jack Leach, Will Smeed, Roelof van der Merwe, Max Waller
Gloucestershire: James Bracey (self-isolation) is absent. David Payne is included in the squad but is still recovering from a minor back injury suffered while on England duty.
Gloucestershire squad: Miles Hammond, Graeme van Buuren, Ollie Price, Glenn Phillips, Jack Taylor, Matthew Taylor, Ryan Higgins, Benny Howell, David Payne, Tom Smith, Ian Cockbain, Daniel Worrall, George Scott, Josh Shaw
Last five T20 results (most recent first)
Somerset: WLWWL
Gloucestershire: LWLLW
Head-to-head T20 record
Total matches: 30
Somerset wins: 14
Gloucestershire wins: 14
Tied: 0
Abandoned: 7
No result: 2
What’s the weather forecast?
Keep up to date with the MetOffice’s rolling forecast for Taunton: Click here
Going to the game?
Tickets
Only members who have been successful in the ballot will be permitted entry for this match.
Click here to access the Somerset box office.
Travel
Full address: County Ground Taunton, St James Street, Taunton, TA1 1JT
By car: At Junction 25, take the A358 Exit to Taunton/ Yeovil. At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit (south) or 3rd exit (north) onto the A358 heading to Taunton/ A38/ Minehead, continuing straight onto Toneway/ A358. At the next roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Priory Avenue and the Cooper Associates County Ground will be on your left.
By train: Taunton Train Station is a 10-minute walk from the ground. As you leave the station, turn left into Station Road, heading towards the town centre. Turn left onto Priory Bridge Road, and the ground will be on your right.
By bus: Taunton Bus Station is a five-minute walk from the ground. As you leave the station, turn left onto Castle Green. Turn left at Fat Face and walk down to Debenhams before turning right into St James Street and the ground will appear on your left.
Park & Ride: Taunton operate two park and ride services from either the Silk Mills (West – TA1 5AA) or Junction 25 (East – TA3 5LU) sites. Please check their opening hours ahead of your visit by clicking here.
How do I follow the match?
This match is being shown live by Sky Sports Cricket.
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?
Gloucestershire to get the win they need to claim a quarter-final place.
SUNDAY'S OTHER MATCH PREVIEWS
North Group
Birmingham Bears v Northamptonshire Steelbacks
Leicestershire Foxes v Worcestershire Rapids
South Group
Kent Spitfires v Sussex Sharks
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