At the halfway point of the group stage in the Metro Bank One Day Cup, both Gloucestershire and Warwickshire have realistic hopes of reaching the knock-outs.
Having lost their first two matches, Gloucestershire have bounced back strongly with wins over Surrey and Yorkshire. Visitors Warwickshire have been even more impressive, winning all four games so far, though their last two victories were by the narrowest of margins – one wicket against Sussex and three runs against Surrey.
Gloucestershire have a settled side, with nine players having appeared in all four games. Plenty of batters have made good contributions, though no-one has done so consistently. Cameron Bancroft is the only century maker so far. Clifton College alumnus Dom Goodman is the leading wicket taker with ten but Ajeet Singh Dale and Matt Taylor have both performed usefully and Tom Smith’s spin has been reasonably economical.
Warwickshire have so far made light of the loss of nine players to the Hundred and it has enabled them to give opportunities to talented young players like England Under-19 captain Hamza Shaikh and wrist spinner Tazeem Chaudry Ali. All-rounder Ed Barnard has led from the front, averaging 65 with the bat and 14 with the ball. The experience of players such as Will Rhodes, Michael Burgess and Ollie Hannon-Dalby has also been invaluable.
Overall, we should be in for a good contest, with Warwickshire the slight favourites to extend their winning run in the competition.
Key Players
For Gloucestershire, Ollie Price played an impressive innings of 98 against Yorkshire and looks to be in good form with the bat. He showed the ability to take control of an innings and pace it sensibly.
The key player for Warwickshire is not too difficult to identify. Top of the batting and bowling averages and also captaining the side, Ed Barnard stands out. Warwickshire just have to hope that none of The Hundred sides have an unexpected vacancy because he would surely top the wanted list.
Team News
Gloucestershire have named an unchanged squad for the game, with Jack Taylor continuing as captain.
Gloucestershire Squad: Jack Taylor (c), Zaman Akhter, Cameron Bancroft, James Bracey (wk), Ben Charlesworth, Dom Goodman, Miles Hammond, Joe Phillips, Ollie Price, Josh Shaw, Ajeet Singh Dale, Tom Smith, Matt Taylor, Graeme Van Buuren
Warwickshire are unlikely to make too many changes from the team that has served them so well in the tournament to date.
Warwickshire Squad: TBC
Weather and Conditions
The weather should be ideal for both playing and watching, with plenty of sunshine, light breezes and a maximum temperature of 22 degrees.
Date: Sunday 4th August 2024
Time: 11.00 am
Ground: Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol
