Eoin Morgan says he “cannot wait” to return to domestic cricket tomorrow evening when he resumes the Middlesex captaincy in their NatWest T20 Blast South Group match against Somerset at a packed Uxbridge.
This is a must win match for Middlesex if we are to get back into contention in the short-form competition. Opponents Somerset, with three wins from seven games in the group to date, are three points ahead.
With just two wins from their seven games so far, Middlesex are currently propping up the rest of the group table alongside Surrey, but there are still another seven matches left and so Morgan’s return could not have been better timed to rejuvenate Middlesex’s T20 fortunes.
“I love playing for Middlesex and I cannot wait to get back with them,” said Morgan after leading England to the NatWest T20 international victory against New Zealand at Old Trafford on Tuesday which followed the 3-2 triumph over the Black Caps in a thrilling 50-over series.
“Sometimes, when you finish an international series with England, you don’t get back into county cricket that quickly. But, this week, I can get straight back into things and I’m looking forward to it.”
Morgan, who led from the front for England in the Royal London One-Day International Series with 322 runs from five innings at an average of 64.40 – including one hundred and three other scores above fifty – is clearly at a high point in his career both in terms of his own batting form and his enhanced reputation as a one-day captain.
“Everyone has seen what Eoin has done with England over the last few weeks,” said James Franklin, Middlesex’s four-day captain. “But he’s also always interested in what is happening here, and he’s very committed to playing for Middlesex. It will be good to have him back.”
Morgan has played in four T20 Blast games so far this summer, and his 97 runs in the competition to date includes the innings of 54 in just 27 balls against Kent Spitfires at Lord’s on 28 May which kick-started his recent run of outstanding one-day form.
Middlesex also welcome back left-arm spinner Ravi Patel, who has been sidelined with a broken thumb.
Luke Ronchi makes his Somerset debut in tomorrow night’s match. Kiwi wicketkeeper Ronchi is the man Somerset turned to when his fellow countryman Corey Anderson was forced to withdraw from a proposed T20 stint with the county.
He will replace Sohail Tanvir as the second overseas player in a squad also including Abdur Rehman and is likely to bat at six as Somerset seek to build on the local derby victory over Gloucestershire in their last game.
Myburgh’s man-of-the-match display against Gloucestershire could mean that Marcus Trescothick sits out the remaining T20 games after being rested for that fixture. The former England opener was averaging only nine in five innings in the competition after a disappointing one-day season last year.
Middlesex Squad
Middlesex have named the following 13-man squad to play at Uxbridge tomorrow: Eoin Morgan (captain), Kyle Abbott, Andy Balbirnie, Nick Compton, James Franklin, Nick Gubbins, James, Harris, Ryan Higgins, Ravi Patel, Harry Podmore, Ollie Rayner, John Simpson, Paul Stirling.
Match & Ticket Information
Gates open at 4pm and the match is due to start at 5.30pm, 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 Uxbridge Sports Club
Car: M25 (J16), take the A40 (towards London), at the Swakeleys roundabout branch left (signposted Uxbridge) and at the next roundabout take the 3rd exit on to the B467. At the next roundabout take the 3rd exit onto Park Road - B483. The ground is opposite Uxbridge Common, access via Gatting Way. If you intend to drive to the ground, please allow plenty of time as the entrance into the parking at Uxbridge Sports Club can be very congested.
Train: Uxbridge London Underground Station (Metropolitan Line & Piccadilly Line) 1 mile 0845 330 9875.
Bus: The U1 from West Ruislip/Uxbridge passes by the ground, with Routes U2, U9 and U10 stopping nearby.
Parking
If you are driving to the match, parking will be available during Middlesex's matches in the field adjacent to the Ground, and can be accessed via Park Road. Parking costs per day: £5 for non-members & £3 for Middlesex members.
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!
