The South Group is the focus of attention in the Vitality Blast on Thursday evening with two matches in the competition as the tournament rolls on under blue skies and perfect weather. It is a big night for a couple of big teams who haven’t made the beginning to the campaign that they would have wanted.
The ODI is getting the TV treatment which means we are reduced to the radio commentaries and live streaming services that the counties provide as well as their social media updates to keep up with these matches.
Surrey vs Essex
After a disappointing One Day Cup campaign, Surrey will be looking to get their first win of the Vitality Blast when they take on an Essex side who have a win and a defeat from their opening two matches of the competition.
Although they have lost twice I don’t think Surrey will be panicking just yet. They were in both matches and probably should have won them both but a lack of batting depth went against them. That has been resolved with the overseas arrivals of Aaron Finch and Nic Maddinson and all of a sudden the Londoners look a much better side. Essex go into the match looking like they are a batsman light which has already impacted them in the competition.
I like Surrey here. I don’t think the Essex bowling attack is good enough to account for the shortage of batting depth that they have and with that the home side should be good things. They have plenty of batting now and we’ve already seen in the competition that their bowling is good enough so it is Surrey for me.
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Hampshire vs Sussex
It is bottom against top in the opening El Coastico of the Vitality Blast campaign when Hampshire host Sussex at the Ageas Bowl. In fairness to Hampshire they have only played one match in the competition so far and they were clearly still on a high from their Lord’s success in it.
Sussex have played two matches and won them both and in truth they have been in no danger in either of them which will be good for their confidence. They have Chris Jordan back in their ranks now too which will make them dangerous. That said though they do look a batsman or two light with David Wiese in at six and if Luke Wright doesn’t fire you do worry about them.
Hampshire made an absolute mess of what should have been a regulation chase against Glamorgan in their opening match but they have a solid enough batting line up and a decent bowling attack with the likes of Kyle Abbott, who should come on for the run, Mujeeb and Liam Dawson all classy operators at this level. If Hampshire keep Luke Wright quiet I think they will have enough to get the job done here.
Tips
WON – Back Surrey to beat Essex for a 4/10 stake at 1.75 with Unibet
Back them here:
Back Hampshire to beat Sussex for a 4/10 stake at 1.83 with BetVictor
Back them here:
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