Middlesex and Gloucestershire head to Richmond Cricket Club’s Old Deer Park on the back of some inconsistent NatWest T20 Blast form that both sides will be keen to turn around.
Whilst Middlesex have had time to work off the field on the shortcomings from their last defeat of over a week ago, for Gloucestershire games are coming thick and fast, with this being their third clash in the competition in just four days!
After an opening day defeat at the hands of Sunday’s opponents, Middlesex produced two dominant performances to defeat both Kent and Sussex, before stumbling recently against Glamorgan and Hampshire, to leave the Seaxes on four points in the South Group, with a record of two wins from their opening five matches. Gloucestershire have themselves suffered similar inconsistencies in this year’s campaign, with six points on the board from a record of three wins and three losses from the six matches they’ve played.
If Middlesex are to win Sunday’s encounter, they’ll need to ignore past records against Gloucestershire, as in seven attempts in this format they have yet to record a victory against the Bristolians.
The Seaxes will be buoyed by the return of their hugely influential opener Paul Stirling, who missed Middlesex’s last two defeats whilst being away with his native Ireland. He will return to the side in fine form, having smashed 146 in their defeat of UAE and having compiled an incredible 254 off 241 balls last week against Glamorgan for Middlesex’s Second XI.
Whilst Stirling’s return will boost Middlesex’s hopes, they are hampered by the absence of his fellow in-form opener, Dawid Malan, who having missed a few weeks of the early season with a broken hand, will again be on the side-lines, having sustained a groin strain in Middlesex’s last Championship outing at Headingley.
Gloucestershire Captain, Michael Klinger comes into this game without an average, having not been dismissed in any of the four innings he has played. This incredible run of form has seen him race to the top of the competition’s run scoring charts, with 403 runs to his name, a strike rate of 163.82, one unbeaten half century and three consecutive unbeaten hundreds.
Gloucestershire also head to Richmond with the competition’s leading spinner within their ranks, Tom Smith, who already has 13 wickets to his name at an average of just 10.12. Smith will of course be known to many within the Middlesex side having played at the club for four seasons between 2010 and 2013.
Sunday’s encounter is set to be played in front of large crowd, with Middlesex selling more advance tickets to this fixture than any other previously played at Richmond. The majority in attendance will be hoping that Middlesex can get back to winning ways and re-establish their claims in the South Group.
Player Injury Update
Dawid Malan: Dawid sustained a groin strain whilst fielding, on day two of our match against Yorkshire at Headingley. He has had a scan, which has confirmed that he has a grade two adductor strain and is likely to be out of action for approximately four weeks.
Middlesex Squad: Middlesex have named the following 14-man squad to play against Gloucestershire in our NatWest T20 Blast match at Richmond this Sunday: James Franklin (c), Kyle Abbott, Andy Balbirnie, Joe Burns, Nick Compton, Neil Dexter, Nick Gubbins, James Harris, Harry Podmore, Ollie Rayner, Toby Roland-Jones, John Simpson, Nathan Sowter, Paul Stirling.
Gates open at 12.30pm and the match is due to start at 2.30pm, so why not come and join us for a fabulous afternoon of entertainment with friends and family.
All Middlesex members (except County Level members) get free entry to this match on production of your membership card.
General admission tickets can no longer be bought in advance for this match, but can still be bought on the day from gates opening and cost £20 for adults, £10 for over 65s and £5 for under 16s.
How to get to Old Deer Park
So you can plan your journey in advance, CLICK HERE for directions and additional information on Old Deer Park, Richmond CC.
Parking
If you are driving to the match, then parking is available at the Kew Gardens end of Richmond CC and costs £3 for Middlesex members and £5 for non-members (per vehicle).
If you are travelling by public transport please plan your journey in advance and check the TFL website for any planned disruptions or closures.
Food & Drink
Please note that NO ALCOHOL will be allowed to be taken into the ground for this match, however, if you wish you can bring in your own food!
There will also be a number of food outlets and bars around the ground where you can purchase a variety of food as well as alcoholic beverages and soft drinks. PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING CASH!
Need help at the Ground?
If you need any help at the ground on the day, why not visit the Middlesex gazebo, which will be situated to the side of the Clubhouse at Richmond. Please come and ask us any questions you may have. Alternatively, there will be plenty of stewards around the ground who will be happy to help you.
The Middlesex squad for this match will be announced on Saturday, so keep an eye on the website!
