Match Preview: Kent Spitfires vs. Hampshire
Kent Spitfires return to The County Ground, Beckenham to face Hampshire in a repeat of the 2018 Royal London Cup Final.
After three away fixtures on the bounce, Kent will now finish the Group Stage of this year’s tournament with two home matches, starting with Hampshire and ending with the visit of Gloucestershire on Thursday.
Scotland international George Munsey remains Kent’s top run-scorer in the competition following three innings in the competition, with 302 at 75.50.
Harry Finch has 151 runs, Marcus O’Riordan 119, and opener Tawanda Muyeye boasts a strike rate of 116.21.
After his maiden career List A five-fer against Middlesex, Nathan Gilchrist now has eight wickets in the competition at 18.25, with Matt Quinn and Hamid Qadri both having taken four wickets apiece.
Tickets
Any remaining tickets, and tickets that our Members have returned to us after they can no longer attend, are on general sale until gates open at 09:00 on Sunday 8 August. As more tickets are released/returned, they will be available to purchase.
Click here to check for Kent Spitfires vs. Hampshire ticket availability >>>
We urge any Members that have booked Vitality Blast tickets and do not intend to use them to contact the Club as soon as possible, so that they may be made available to their fellow supporters.
Tickets will not be available on the gate.
Last time out
Kent seamer Nathan Gilchrist recorded his best List A figures of five for 45 as the Spitfires recorded their first victory in the Royal London Cup with a 21-run victory against Middlesex.
Gilchrist’s opening burst wrecked Middlesex’s top order at Radlett, while off-spinner Hamid Qadri returned three for 47 to ensure the home side were bowled out for 196.
Half-centuries by Marcus O’Riordan – who reached that landmark for the first time in List A cricket – and George Munsey enabled the Spitfires to post 217 for nine after rain reduced the contest to 35 overs apiece.
Opposition report
Hampshire have two wins in three matches so far in the Royal London Cup from their first six matches, with one no result.
Following defeat to Gloucestershire on Friday, former Middlesex batter Nick Gubbins is Hampshire’s top run-scorer to date, with 292 runs at 73.00, whilst Tom Alsop has 182 at 45.50.
Both skipper Kyle Abbott and John Turner have six wickets apiece, and Gubbins, Scott Currie and Ian Holland have four victims.
Return of spectators
It’s our top priority to welcome you back to The County Ground, Beckenham, and to do that safely, we all have a role to play.
Because COVID-19 remains a part of our lives for the time-being – everyone – including the players, officials, staff, stewards and Members – will need to adhere to COVID-protocols to make the return of spectators a successful, and hopefully a permanent one.
All the information you need to adhere to the Club’s COVID-protocols upon your return to watching the Kent Spitfires live can be found in the below Match Day Information Pack:
Live Streaming
Kent Spitfires vs. Hampshire will be streamed via Kent Cricket’s Official YouTube channel and embedded into the Match Centre on the Kent Cricket website.
Team News
Darren Stevens returns to the squad after being rested against Middlesex – Jack Leaning continues to captain the Spitfires.
Kent Spitfires’ Matchday Squad, presented by WW Martin >>>
Members & ticket purchasers – you could be in with a chance of winning a family holiday of a lifetime to Florida’s Paradise Coast.
More information >>>
Match Previews of Kent Spitfires’ Royal London Cup fixtures are proudly sponsored by WW Martin >>>
