T20 Blast 2022 - SOM vs SUS - Preview, Prediction, Probable XI, CREX XI

The 31st match of the English T20 Blast 2022 will see Somerset (SOM) take on Sussex (SUS) in the South Group at The Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton. 

Somerset continued their scintillating form, thrashing rival Hampshire away from home in a low scoring evening at the Ageas Bowl. Currently placed at the first spot of the South Group table, Somerset has started their campaign, registering three wins in a row. 

There was a complete team effort with the ball, followed by an accelerated start from Banton and Smeed at the top, and Lammonby's 33 off 22 saw the table toppers win their third game of the T20 season. 

However, Somerset were at the receiving end last time when Sussex came and defeated the hosts by 13 runs. With the form Tom Abell and co have been playing with, they would expect to improve their record against the South Coast team and continue their winning streak to four in a row. 

Meanwhile, Sussex, who registered their first win against Kent on Sunday (May 29th), would be looking to build some momentum from here. The Sharks started their campaign with two defeats, followed by a four-run victory over Kent, their first in 2022. Tom Alsop's 30-ball 65 took Sussex's total over 170 before the bowlers made sure the defending champions failed to chase down the target of 172.

Mohammad Rizwan has returned to Pakistan for the three-match ODI series against the West Indies, starting June 8th. In addition, Obed McCoy has also arrived from India, completing his stint with Rajasthan Royals and is available for this game which boosts up a highly rated bowling attack with Garton and Mills already there.

Match Details:

Match: Somerset vs Sussex, Match 31

Venue: The Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton

Date & Time: June 1st at 11:00 PM IST

Live Streaming: FanCode and ECB website.

Pitch Report: The pitch at the Cooper Associates County Ground in Taunton is balanced for a T20 game. Somerset has not lost a single match at their home in their last five home fixtures. The average first innings total is around 180 at this venue. The team winning the toss is expected to bat second. 

Head-To-Head:

Somerset and Sussex have won two games each in their last five meetings, with one game getting washed out, with the Sharks (Sussex) dominating the overall head to head record by 7-4. 

Squads:

Somerset: Tom Abell (c), Peter Siddle, Riley Roussouw, Marchant de Lange, Kasey Aldridge, Sonny Baker, Tom Banton, George Bartlett, Jack Brooks, Josh Davey, Steven Davies, Lewis Goldsworthy, Ben Green, Lewis Gregory, James Hildreth, Tom Lammonby, Jack Leach, Ned Leonard, Craig Overton, Matt Renshaw, Ollie Sale, Will Smeed

Sussex: Tom Alsop, Will Beer, Ravi Bopara (c), Oli Carter, Henry Crocombe, Steve Finn, George Garton, Fynn Hudson-Prentice, Archie Lenham, Obed McCoy. Tymal Mills, Josh Philippe, Delray Rawlins, Harrison Ward, Luke Wright

Probable Playing XI:

Somerset: Tom Banton (wk), Will Smeed, Rilee Rossouw, Tom Abell (c), Tom Lammonby, Lewis Gregory, Lewis Goldsworthy, Ben Green, Roelof van der Merwe, Marchant de Lange, Josh Davey

Sussex: Luke Wright, Tom Alsop (wk), Josh Philippe, Ravi Bopara (c), Delray Rawlins, George Garton, Obed McCoy, Will Beer, Tymal Mills, Archie Lenham, Steven Finn.

CREX XI Suggestion:

Wicket-Keeper: Tom Banton, Tom Alsop

Batters: Rilee Rossouw, Luke Wright, Will Smeed, 

All-Rounders: Lewis Gregory, Ravi Bopara

Bowlers: Obed McCoy, Steven Finn, Marchant de Lange, Josh Davey

Captain: Rilee Rossouw

Vice-Captain: Obed McCoy