Having successfully opened up their 2016 NatWest T20 campaign with a comprehensive victory over Hampshire at Uxbridge last Friday night, Middlesex’s next outing in the competition comes tomorrow evening at Merchant Taylors’ School in Northwood, in a game starting at 5.20pm, with Gloucestershire in opposition.
At Uxbridge on Friday evening it was Middlesex skipper Dawid Malan who led from the front to see his side to victory, with a fine knock of 93, off just 48 balls, to build a fantastic platform from which the men in pink were able to capitalise on, to reach a match-winning total of 195.
Ironically, despite his side playing so well in their convincing 69 run victory over Hampshire, Dawid Malan’s biggest headache going into this second game is who to leave out, given the terrific boost he receives from the arrival of international superstars Brendon McCullum and Eoin Morgan, who are both available, having returned from their commitments at the Indian Premier League.
With such a wealth of talent at Malan’s disposal tomorrow night, Middlesex head into the game as firm favourites, although standing in their way are their bogey side, Gloucestershire, a side who Middlesex have failed to beat in eight previous attempts in this format. That said, you’d be a brave man to bet against Middlesex breaking that hoodoo tomorrow evening given the players within their outfit!
Gloucestershire themselves come to Northwood looking for their first victory in this season’s campaign, having lost their opening encounter against a Sussex side who smashed 242 in their innings. In a rain affected Duckworth Lewis reply, Gloucestershire fell an agonising one run short in their reply, to suffer an opening day defeat.
With a big crowd expected at Merchant Taylors’ tomorrow evening, Middlesex will be hoping to put on a proper show in Northwood and secure their second win of this year’s campaign.
Middlesex are pleased to announce the following 14-man squad for our NatWest T20 Blast match against Gloucestershire at Merchant Taylors' School tomorrow, Thursday 2 June:
Dawid Malan (c), James Franklin, James Fuller, James Harris, Ryan Higgins, Brendon McCullum, Eoin Morgan, Ravi Patel, Harry Podmore, Toby Roland-Jones, John Simpson, Nathan Sowter, Paul Stirling, Adam Voges.
Gates open at 4pm & the match is due to start at 5.30pm.
Tickets are still available to buy on the gate for this match from gates opening and cost £20 for adults, £10 for over 65s and £5 for under 16s.
Parking will be available at the School and can be accessed via Sandy Lodge Lane (no access via Moor Park Estate). Parking costs £3 for Middlesex members and £5 for non-members (per vehicle).
