T20 Blast Essentials: Glamorgan v Gloucestershire

Match times, streaming information, tickets and travel, team news, head-to-head record, weather forecast, prediction, and everything else you need to know ahead of the Vitality T20 Blast match

Fixture: Glamorgan v Gloucestershire

Venue: Sophia Gardens, Cardiff

Dates: Thursday, June 10, 2021

Start time: 5:30pm

What's the lowdown?

After finishing bottom of the South Division in 2017, Gloucestershire have stormed into the knockout stage since. They topped their group last year and crashed out in an entertaining semi-final at the hands of runners-up Surrey. They have not made the final since 2007, but have become incredibly consistent in this format in recent times. Could this be their year to go one step further?

By contrast, Glamorgan have failed to qualify for the knockout stages since topping their group in 2017. They seem to be on a downward spiral and will find it extremely tough to qualify with the tournament reverting back to its previous format of two groups of nine. They, too, have not won the Blast and will need to reverse their fortunes if they’re to change that this year. A positive showing against heavy hitters Gloucestershire seems integral to get their charge underway.

Who's in form?

Ian Cockbain was in sparkling form last year, continuing his impressive record in T20 cricket. He helped Gloucestershire dismantle rivals Somerset in a last gasp thriller which sent Somerset crashing out of the tournament and guaranteed Gloucestershire a home quarter-final. His 89 in that game came off 57 balls and rounded off a wonderful tournament for him personally. 

Glamorgan also have the skills and experience of T20 journeyman Colin Ingram to call upon. He has been on the circuit for some time now, and the 35-year-old’s knowledge and calm under pressure will be invaluable.

Last five T20 matches (most recent first)

Glamorgan: WWLWL

Gloucestershire: LWWLW

Head-to-head T20 record

Total matches: 30

Glamorgan wins: 14

Gloucestershire wins: 13

Tied: 1

No result: 2

Abandoned: 6

What's the team news?

Glamorgan: Matt Maynard has named a 14-man squad for the opening three fixtures of the Blast, with Colin Ingram, Marnus Labuschagne and Michael Neser all included. Prem Sisodiya and Timm van der Gugten also return.

Glamorgan squad: Chris Cooke, Kiran Carlson, Dan Douthwaite, Colin Ingram, Marnus Labuschagne, David Lloyd, Michael Neser, Andrew Salter, Nick Selman, Prem Sisodiya, Ruaidhri Smith, Callum Taylor, Timm van der Gugten, James Weighell

Gloucestershire: Exciting overseas signing Glenn Phillips is in the squad. Whether the New Zealander keeps wicket or bowls off-spin remains to be seen.

Gloucestershire squad: Miles Hammond, Chris Dent, Ian Cockbain, Glenn Phillips, Jack Taylor, Ryan Higgins, Benny Howell, Graeme van Buuren, Tom Smith, David Payne, Matt Taylor, George Hankins, Josh Shaw, George Scott

Latest Glamorgan news: Click here

Latest Gloucestershire news: Click here

What's the weather forecast?

It’s an overcast day in Cardiff with temperatures still reaching 19 degrees Celsius. It will be a little muggy with the cloud cover, but with both teams boasting some strong individuals, it shouldn’t cast a cloud over the quality of the game.

Keep up to date with the MetOffice's rolling forecast for Cardiff: Click here

How do I follow the match?

TV/stream: The ECB are offering a streaming service which can be found here.

Radio: BBC Local Radio and the BBC Sport website will carry ball-by-ball radio commentary of the game.

Digital: The Cricketer will carry live scorecards and daily updates from every Vitality T20 Blast match in 2021, as well as the latest breaking news from around the counties and exclusive features. Visit our County Hub for more.

Going to the game?

Tickets

Due to different timetable for the easing of Covid-19 restrictions in Wales, tickets for Glamorgan's season opener against Gloucestershire will only be available to 1,000 members and other priority ticket holders. For more information click here.

Click here to visit the Glamorgan box office.

Travel

Address: Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, CF11 9XR

On foot: The most popular and pleasant means of reaching Sophia Gardens Cardiff from Cardiff Central Station is on foot. The final part of the 15-minute leisurely stroll takes you along the banks of the River Taff through Bute Park and the grounds of Cardiff Castle.

By bike: A popular way to travel to the Stadium is by bicycle and we are in the ideal location to do so i.e. via the Taff Trail which runs from Cardiff Bay to Brecon. The Stadium has 25 cycle parking spaces located underneath the Altodigital stand and 10 spaces by Gate Two.

By car

From London: Travel time is approximately 3 hours via the M4 Westbound.

From Birmingham: Travel time is approximately 2.5 hours via M5 Southbound and then the M4 Westbound.

From the East: Exit the M4 at Junction 29 and follow the A48M towards Llandaff. Join Cardiff Road. Sophia Gardens Cardiff is situated off Sophia Close which is on Cathedral Road.

From the West: Exit the M4 at Junction 33. Follow the A4232 for 6.2 miles and exit on the slip road onto Leckwith Road. Follow the A4161 and then turn left onto Cathedral Road (A4119). Turn right onto Sophia Close where Sophia Gardens Cardiff is situated.

Parking

Public Car Parking: Parking inside the stadium on match days is limited to players, officials and permit holders only. Public car parking is available in the Sophia Gardens Pay and Display car park situated within Sophia Close.

Disabled Parking: A limited number of disabled parking bays are available for every match day held at the Stadium and these are allocated on an application basis. For more details please contact reception on 02920 419 381 or info@glamorgancricket.co.uk

Park and Ride: Glamorgan Cricket do operate a Park and Ride service on international and other major match days. This service usually runs from Cardiff City Stadium to the drop off point in Sophia Close.

By train: For details of the regular inter-city and high-speed trains that run between Cardiff and all major towns and cities including London, Bristol, Birmingham and Swansea, please visit: www.nationalrail.co.uk

By bus: Cardiff Bus services run regularly between Cardiff Central Station and Cathedral Road (adjacent to Sophia Gardens Cardiff) Routes going via Cathedral Road include:

Number 25 Circular Service to Llandaff North and North Road

Number 62 service to Llandaff, Danescourt, Pentrebane, Fairwater and Canton

Number 63 service to Ffordd Berllan, Central Station, Radyr and Llandaff.

By coach: Regular high-speed coaches leave from Cardiff from most major locations in the UK. Please visit www.nationalexpress.com for further information.

Prediction?

Gloucestershire’s power and consistency will most likely prove too much for a Glamorgan side still waiting to reintroduce the crowds back at Sophia Gardens. Should they be given the go ahead, they may be galvanised by the spectators, but will still struggle to turn over such a strong side. Gloucestershire win.

OTHER T20 BLAST FIXTURES

North Group

Lancashire Lightning v Leicestershire Foxes

Yorkshire Vikings v Birmingham Bears

South Group

Middlesex v Surrey