News

Sharks v Glos | Match Preview

25 June 2021

Following three wins on the bounce, Gloucestershire make the trip down to Hove with hopes of exacting revenge on Sussex Sharks.

A second consecutive thumping at the Bristol County Ground have propelled Gloucestershire to the summit of the Vitality Blast South Group, albeit with more games played. Sussex, who lie third just one point behind The Shire, have only completed three matches so far this season; all three, wins.

Sussex Sharks v Gloucestershire| Live on the Gloscricket Match Centre HERE | 7:00pm Start

Gloucestershire’s opening partners Miles Hammond and Chris Dent have together averaged 50 runs at a strike rate of 153.85. While neither has made more than 40 runs yet, their opening wicket stands have been crucial in setting the team up with a chance at victory.

New Zealander Glenn Phillips has been in sensational form for Gloucestershire in this year’s Vitality Blast. This week, he made an unbeaten 41 against the Spitfires to help Gloucestershire reach Kent’s total with six overs to spare. A scintillating 41-ball 94 followed to put Glamorgan to the sword.

In the absence of the Club’s record T0 run-scorer Ian Cockbain, Benny Howell stepped in at number three and made an unbeaten half-century.

No one has bowled more overs for The Shire than David Payne but wickets have been well spread throughout the team. Josh Shaw has taken the most with nine at a strike rate of 12 but four others have taken at least five: Payne (7), Howell (6), Smith (5) and Higgins (5).

Last season’s Supporters’ Player of the Season, Tom Smith, has unsurprisingly been the most economic bowler for Gloucestershire giving away less than seven runs an over.

Gloucestershire's unchanged 14-man squad:

Sussex, who have had two matches abandoned without a ball being bowled and another that lasted just five overs, will be hoping to get back to winning ways should the weather hold off on Friday evening.

When they have played, the Sharks have looked very impressive, chasing down varied totals with relative ease. Opener Phil Salt has led the way, finishing not out in the 70s twice to carry his side to victory. Luke Wright, the competition’s record highest run-scorer, returned to the Sussex line-up against Essex and made 75 off 44.

The Sharks will be without Chris Jordan who is on international duty with England for both T20 and ODI Series against Sri Lanka. He took 2/35 and finished 24 not out in the reverse fixture in Bristol.

George Garton, who has been sensational for Sussex this season and took 3/19 against Gloucestershire, may not feature in tonight’s match after being called up to the England ODI squad following an injury to Olly Stone.

Be The Scorer - Click here for our online scorecard.

• Previous
• Next