Will it be third time lucky for Somerset?
Having missed out on the Blast and the County Championship titles this is the last chance for Somerset to capture some silverware this summer. They will be disappointed not to be taking the four day competition into the final week, but if the speculation is correct and they will be selecting from the same players that have taken them to this stage, there will be some different names on view. Glamorgan have also stated that they will not be bringing in Mason Crane and Chris Cooke, who had been selected for the Welsh Fire.
Both counties topped their groups and like Somerset, Glamorgan will be hoping a win can help gloss over what has been a disappointing season, failing to qualify from their group in the Blast and sitting seventh in Division Two of the County Championship. They have managed to find a way of winning games in this competition, helped by the retention of most of their squad. Timm van der Gugten and Jamie McIlory have kept things tight in the powerplay and then Dan Douthwaite and Andy Gorvin have picked off the wickets in the middle overs, aided by the right and left arm spin of Ben Kellaway. Colin Ingram has been the standout batter for Glamorgan in all formats this season and despite missing three games, has scored 286 runs at 71.50 in the One Day Cup. Billy Root has also played some key innings.
Somerset’s “alternates” still look a strong outfit and they will have Jack Leach in their ranks. He is Somerset’s leading wicket taker in the competition with 15 at 22.20 and an economy of just 4.08 runs per over. There were plenty of runs in the ODI played at Trent Bridge between England and Australia on Thursday, but it was the spin bowlers who were most effective. Alongside Leach, off-spinner Archie Vaughan has had a bright start to his career and with Lewis Goldsworthy Somerset have plenty of slow options. They will be without Riley Meredith and Ned Leonard, who has been playing on loan for Glamorgan in recent weeks, may start.
As with Glamorgan, Somerset have struggled to find an opening pair for their red ball side and Andrew Umeed has been pressed into service with little success. However he has no problems with the 50-over format, having come to prominence as the second highest run scorer in this competition last year, just three runs behind Ed Barnard having played a game less. He is again near the top of the run standings with 447 at 55.87, including one century and four 50s. Lewis Goldsworthy is not far behind with 416.
Given the pool of players these two sides are due to pick from, it should be a tight contest, particularly if the Glamorgan batters can find some form.
Key players:
Sean Dickson has been leading Somerset in this competition and is overdue a few runs. He played a vital role in the defeat of Surrey in the Blast semi final with 78 from 57 balls, coming in when Somerset were in serious trouble at 7/3. He will be hoping that he can put in a similar performance to take his side home this week end.
Colin Ingram has been Mr Reliable for Glamorgan this summer and although he turns 40 next July it is expected that Glamorgan will want to get his name on a further contract extension. He has more than filled in for Marnus Labuschagne, scoring a half century or better in each of the ten Championship games he has played, amassing 1267 runs at 90.50. He has also bowled a few overs of leg spin in the One Day cup, which may come in useful if the pitch behaves in the same way as that used for the ODI.
Team News
Somerset are reported to be fielding the same players who have taken them to the final. However their pace options are limited so they may feel the need to bring someone in.
Somerset (probable): Sean Dickson (c), Kasey Aldridge, Charlie Cassell, Josh Davey, Lewis Goldsworthy, Ben Green, Jack Leach, Ned Leonard, Alfie Ogborne, James Rew (wk), George Thomas, Josh Thomas, Andy Umeed, Archie Vaughan
Glamorgan are likely to play the same eleven that took the field in the semi final.
Glamorgan squad (probable): Kiran Carlson (c), Tom Bevan, Dan Douthwaite, Andy Gorvin, Henry Hurle, Colin Ingram, Ben Kellaway, Jamie McIlroy, Ben Morris, Sam Northeast, Billy Root, Asa Tribe, Will Smale (wk), Timm van der Gugten
Weather and Conditions
The forecast looks unsettled with thundery showers. Unfortunately the forecast is for more persistent heavy rain on the reserve day.
The expectation is for plenty of runs, but given the likely damp conditions the captain winning the toss will want to bowl first.
Date: 22nd September 2024
Time: 11:00am
Ground: Trent Bridge, Nottingham
Odds (Sky Bet): Somerset 8/13; Glamorgan 6/5
https://m.skybet.com/cricket/one-day-cup/somerset-v-glamorgan/34286883
