Match Preview: Gloucestershire v Middlesex
4 July 2021
Gloucestershire return to red-ball action on Monday as Middlesex make the trip to west for the opening match of the Visit Cayman Islands Cheltenham Cricket Festival.
Currently sitting second in Group Two of the County Championship, Gloucestershire’s fate in the competition will be decided at the Festival.
With third-placed Hampshire due to play at the College Ground next week in what could be a winner takes all encounter, a win against Middlesex would go a long way for Gloucestershire who have just a one-point lead over third.
Gloucestershire v Middlesex | Live on the Gloscricket Match Centre HERE
David Payne, who was rested for the T20 match against Hampshire Hawks on Friday, will captain the side in the absence of Chris Dent who is out with a broken finger. Payne captained the Club in first-class cricket once before against Northamptonshire in 2020 before the match was abandoned due to Covid concerns.
Ben Charlesworth will be playing for the second XI this week but is just short of match fitness having dislocated his shoulder in a T20 friendly. Ian Cockbain is also continuing his rehab for a right ankle sprain.
James Bracey returns to the four-day lineup after missing the last two Championship games due to England commitments. For the first time, both Tom and Ollie Price are included in the matchday squad. Tom has made one first XI appearance for the Club while 20-year-old spinner Ollie could make his debut for The Shire.
Gloucestershire's 13-man squad to face Middlesex:
For Middlesex, pride is all they are playing for with only one victory so far rooting them to the bottom of the table 33 points behind fifth-placed Leicestershire.
Australian Peter Handscomb will resume once again captain the side and will be boosted by the addition of New Zealander Daryl Mitchell. They will however be without their top run-scorer in 2021 Nick Gubbins who has joined Hampshire on loan until the end of the season before signing on a permanent basis.
Ethan Bamber and Tim Murtagh will lead the bowling unit while Middlesex could also see a debutant this week with Michael Atherton’s son Josh De Caires included in their travelling squad.
Middlesex’s 14-man squad travelling to Cheltenham:
Peter Handscomb (c), Martin Andersson, Ethan Bamber, Blake Cullen, Josh De Caires, Stephen Eskinazi, Tom Helm, Luke Hollman, Daryl Mitchell, Tim Murtagh, Sam Robson, John Simpson (wk), Nathan Sowter, Robbie White.
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