Middlesex return to Lord's on Thursday night to take on Hampshire, needing to reverse their recent NatWest T20 Blast form, if they are to boost their hopes of progressing into the knockout stages of the competition for the first time since they won the trophy back in 2008.
Following two hugely impressive wins against Kent and Sussex early in the competition, the Seaxes have struggled in the short format since, and head into Thursday night's encounter on the back of three successive defeats, at the hands of Glamorgan, Gloucestershire and Thursday's opponents Hampshire.
If Middlesex can rediscover the kind of form that saw them destroy Kent the last time they graced the hallowed turf of Lord's three weeks ago, then Thursday's clash promises to be a real thriller. Whilst Middlesex's recent results have inevitably seen them slide down the table, there are positives to focus on going into the game with Hampshire, not least of all the form of opening batsman, Paul Stirling and wicket-keeper batsman, John Simpson, who both average over fifty.
Middlesex will be missing messrs Morgan and Finn, who are both away with England, whilst all of Malan, Patel, Sowter and Burns, who would be in contention for a start at Lord's, are sidelined for this one through injury.
Hampshire themselves come to the Home of Cricket in good shape, currently sitting in the runners up spot in the division, having secured four wins from the six matches they've played thus far in the competition.
In the return fixture at the Ageas Bowl a fortnight ago, it was former Middlesex man Owais Shah who proved to be the chief protagonist in taking the game away from Middlesex, when smashing an unbeaten 58 off just 33 balls. Crucial knocks from the destructive Michael Carberry and Sean Irvine also helped Hampshire compile a winning total down in Southampton, and capturing their wickets early, plus that of Hampshire's resurgent captain, James Vince, will be crucial if Middlesex are to restrict the Hampshire run flow at Lord's.
Middlesex supporters will be hopeful that a return to the familiar surroundings of Lord's will see them return to winning ways, which will see their challenge in the south group get well and truly back on track.
INJURY UPDATE
Nathan Sowter: Nathan sustained a hamstring strain whilst fielding during the T20 Blast match at Richmond on Sunday. We expect him to be unavailable for at least two weeks.
Ravi Patel: Ravi has made an excellent recovery and will be back playing cricket next week.
SQUAD NEWS
Middlesex have named the following 13-man squad for the match against Hampshire at Lord’s: James Franklin (c), Kyle Abbott, Andy Balbirnie, Nick Compton, Neil Dexter, Nick Gubbins, James Harris, Ryan Higgins, Harry Podmore, Ollie Rayner, Toby Roland-Jones, John Simpson, Paul Stirling.
TICKET INFORMATION
Advanced ticket sales have now ended but tickets will still be available to buy on the gate on the day costing £25 for adults and £5 for under 16s.
On the day of the match, the ticket office within Lord’s Cricket Ground will be open until midday if you would like to purchase tickets before gates open. After this point tickets will only be available to buy once the gates open at 4:45pm, from the North Gate Ticket Selling Point on Wellington Place (CASH PURCHASES PREFERRED).
If you are collecting tickets on the day, you can do so from the East Gate Ticket Collection point on St John’s Wood Road, which will be open from 2pm.
MIDDLESEX MEMBERS are reminded that they must sit in the Pavilion or members stands (Warner, Tavern or Allen Stands, therefore if you are bringing guests and wish them to sit with you in the members’ areas then you must purchase them ROVER TICKETS.
To purchase Rover tickets (£15 for adults & £5 for under 16s) you can call the ticket office on 020 7432 1000 until 5.30pm on Tuesday. After that they can be purchased in person from the Lord's ticket office inside the ground until midday on Thursday and will also be available to purchase on the day from the Grace Gate ABO on St John’s Wood Road from gates opening at 4.45pm (CASH PURCHASES PREFERRED).
Middlesex COUNTY Members are reminded that they do not get free entry or members’ privileges for NatWest T20 Blast matches, so must purchase a general public ticket.
On Thursday gates will open at 4.45pm with play due to start at 6.15pm.
