Vitality Blast 2024 Cricket Match Prediction | South Group | Essex vs Middlesex – Let’s see who will win the match. | June 02

Essex vs Middlesex Match Analysis

With both Essex and Middlesex vying for their first tournament title, the London derby is sure to be an intriguing matchup. Expect both teams to give it their all in the Vitality Blast 2024 as they look to rebound from two losses for Essex and a crushing setback for Middlesex in their lone meeting.

After two games away from home, Essex hopes that a trip back to Chelmsford will help them turn things around. Additionally, with 10 victories from 16 games, they have a good record at this location against Middlesex.

They’ll be fired up going into this contest. Conversely, Middlesex will want to take advantage of any holes in Essex’s previous performance, particularly in their bowling attack, which has occasionally shown a lack of intelligence when the batsmen attempt a counterattack.

Essex vs Middlesex Team Preview & Squads

Essex

The Eagles’ Vitality Blast 2024 campaign has started shakily as they have lost their first two games against Somerset and Gloucestershire. Both times they batted first, but their final totals of 141-9 and 193-6 were insufficient. 

With three overs remaining, the Gloucestershire batsmen in Bristol chased down the score after their bowling assault failed to contain them. In Taunton, Somerset swept home with five balls remaining after Somerset had amassed a more respectable score despite Essex’s bowlers being once again put to the test.

Essex will have to overcome these batting deficiencies and figure out how to contain totals when playing at home. Their opening pair of batters, Adam Rossington and Dean Elgar, who lit things up against Somerset after going for only one wicket in the first game against Gloucestershire, will have to chip in big time. For Daniel Sams, Paul Walter, and Jordan Cox to shine during the deathovers, they must first create the groundwork.

It will be up to Captain Simon Harmer and players like Daniel Sams and Paul Walter to step up and give Essex some much-needed wickets, as the bowling attack is also giving up runs.

Essex Squads

Essex Squads

Simon Harmer (c), Adam Rossington (wk), Michael-Kyle Pepper, Paul Walter, Daniel Sams, Matthew Critchley, Luke Benkenstein, Jordan Cox, Ben Allison, Dean Elgar, Aaron Beard.

Middlesex

The first game between Middlesex and Kent Spitfires was a forgettable one. They were defeated by an overwhelming 98 runs after being utterly outclassed both with the bat and the ball. Specifically, their batting raised a great deal of anxiety. Stephen Eskinazi, the opening man, and Leus du Plooy, the newcomer from Derbyshire, were unable to furnish a reliable platform. The captain was fired before reaching his thirtieth birthday, despite his initial good looks.

Ryan Higgins and Max Holden, who are both quite damaging at the top of the order, were both cheaply fired. Although Jack Davies and Luke Hollman combined to push Middlesex to a reasonable total, Joe Cracknell was bowled out for a pitiful 107 runs by Kent bowlers in just 15 overs. Blake Cullen and Tom Helm shared five wickets between them, while Luke Hollman bowled extraordinarily well to claim three. The remaining bowlers found it difficult to penetrate the Kent batting lineup, which allowed them to amass a total of more than two hundred runs. Middlesex’s confidence will have taken a serious hit after this loss, but they will be eager to recover.

Luke Hollman, a reliable batsman and ball handler, is among the core group of players who will be essential to Middlesex pulling off a quick comeback. Leus du Plooy, the batsman from South Africa, is a welcome addition. He is anticipated to perform well at the top of the order with skipper Eskinazi, who led Middlesex in runs scored during the previous season.

Middlesex Squads

Middlesex Squads

Stephen Eskinazi (c), Jack Davies (wk), Ryan Higgins, Joe Cracknell, Tom Helm, Luke Hollman, Henry Brookes, Max Holden, Blake Cullen, Leus du Plooy, Noah Cornwell. 

Essex vs Middlesex outfield report

County Ground Chelmsford

This has been an excellent place to chase, with the majority of teams that chose to do so last season winning. If Simon Harmer or Stephen Eskinazi decide to insert the opposition after winning the toss, don’t be shocked.

The day is supposed to have some sun and pleasant temperatures, but there’s a chance that some clouds could roll in during the game.

A thrilling Twenty20 battle is on the cards, and if the Chelmsford deck plays as well as it did the other day, we could witness another high-scoring brawl.

Essex vs Middlesex Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches

In the last five encounters between these two teams, Essex won three games whereas, Middlesex won two.

Essex vs Middlesex Prediction

Winning the toss

• Essex

Player of the Match

• Essex – Dean Elgar

Most runs

• Essex – Dean Elgar
• Middlesex – Luke Hollman

Most wickets

• Essex – Paul Walter
• Middlesex – Blake Cullen

Most sixes

• Essex – Dean Elgar
• Middlesex – Luke Hollman

Team Scores Batting First

• Essex – 200+
• Middlesex – 180+

According to cricket analysts, Essex has a 68% chance of winning.

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