RLODC Preview: Hampshire v Essex

RLODC Preview: Hampshire v Essex

 

Rilee Rossouw believes Hampshire’s ultimately tense victory over Surrey represents an area where his side need to improve.

The opener scored 90 in a chase of 227, reduced by Duckworth-Lewis Stern, but his dismissal brought about a flurry of wickets and it was left to youngsters Lewis McManus and Joe Weatherley to see Hampshire over the line.

“It’s something that we need to learn from because we should be winning that game comfortably,” Rossouw said.

“I’m just glad to see the two youngsters, Joe and Lewis take us to [victory], so it’s good experience for them to come out on top in that situation.”

Hampshire have now won two matches from two and sit fourth on net run rate. They’ll be further encouraged by the return of Mason Crane, who has claimed four wickets in the Royal London One-Day Cup after recovering from a stress fracture to his lower back.

Essex lost their second match of the season at Gloucestershire by four wickets, with Ashar Zaidi’s 82 in vain, having won their opening game at Middlesex.

“We weren’t at our best and didn’t deserve to win,” Essex captain Ryan ten Doeschate told the club’s website. “We didn’t bat well, we lost four quick wickets after the first powerplay when some of our batters lost their wickets cheaply.”

“We were a bit off the pace and we certainly need to be better as a batting unit if we are to do well against Hampshire.”

Essex will be encouraged by their recent record against Hampshire, having won all four List A encounters since the 50-over format was reintroduced in 2014.

Key Men

James Vince could be considered unfortunate to be playing at The Ageas Bowl on Wednesday rather than at Lord’s on Thursday after his Specsavers County Championship double hundred last week. But he will be hoping to capitalise on the opportunity to lead Hampshire to a third straight One-Day Cup victory. With scores of nine and 14 so far this season, he is yet to hit his stride, but he has a good record against Essex, averaging 87.80 having hit a century and four half-centuries in six innings.

Neil Wagner proved a crucial part of Essex’s title challenge last season, and his return — which came in the club’s opening One-Day Cup match — provides a major boost. He took three wickets in their win over Middlesex on Friday and adds useful variation with his left-arm seam. With six right-handers in Hampshire’s top eight, the change of angle Wagner brings could play a big part in Essex’s quest for victory.

Team News

Hampshire name an unchanged 15-man squad from the victory over Surrey, with Kyle Abbott again absent and not due to have any involvement in this format after recovering from an ankle injury.

Hampshire squad: James Vince (c), Lewis McManus (wk), Jimmy Adams, Tom Alsop, Hashim Amla, Gareth Berg, Mason Crane, Fidel Edwards, Rilee Rossouw, Chris Sole, Brad Taylor, Reece Topley, Joe Weatherley, Brad Wheal, Chris Wood

Shane Snater, the Zimbabwe-born bowler who plays for the Netherlands, is included in Essex’s 13-man squad after a successful trial at the club. Jamie Porter is rested with all-rounder Callum Taylor taking his place.

Essex squad: Ryan ten Doeschate (c), James Foster (wk), Ravi Bopara, Varun Chopra, Sam Cook, Simon Harmer, Dan Lawrence, Shane Snater, Callum Taylor, Neil Wagner, Tom Westley, Adam Wheater, Ashar Zaidi

Form

Hampshire: WWALL

Essex: LWLWW

Weather and conditions

It’s set to be dry and warm with temperatures reaching 21 degrees during the afternoon. Monday’s wicket had a tinge of green but played true; a similar wicket is likely to be prepared.

Date: 23rd May 2018

Time: 11:00am

Ground: The Ageas Bowl

Odds (SkyBet): Hampshire 8/11, Essex 11/10

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