Match Preview: Kent Spitfires vs. Middlesex

Friday 23rd June 2023

Men’s First Team

Vitality Blast

Match Preview: Kent Spitfires vs. Middlesex

After a string of away matches, the Kent Spitfires are back at The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence to take on Middlesex in the Vitality Blast.

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Matchday Information

Important matchday information for Members, Six Pack Ticket Bundle holders & those that have purchased match tickets can be accessed via the button below:

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We strongly advise that all Members & spectators travelling to the ground make use of public transport.

The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence is located approximately a mile from the historic Cathedral City Centre of Canterbury.

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The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence is a cashless venue. The Kent Cricket Shop, ticket sales, and food & beverage payments at all outlets are conducted without cash during matches.

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Live Streaming via KentCricketPlay

If you’re unable to join us at The Spitfire Ground, Kent Spitfires vs. Middlesex is available to watch via the Club’s streaming platform, KentCricketPlay.

Streaming passes cost £5.99 for all non-Members, & FREE for all 2023 Kent Members.

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Opposition Report

  • Captain: Stephen Eskinazi
  • Overseas player: Pieter Malan (South Africa).
  • Finals Day appearances: 1 (2008)
  • 2022 finish: Eighth (South Group)
  • 2022 leading runscorer: Stephen Eskinazi (431)
  • 2022 leading wicket taker: Martin Andersson (17)

Middlesex’s winter plans were torn up when left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj suffered serious injury days after signing for this competition and he’s yet to be replaced. However, both South African Pieter Malan and all-rounder Ryan Higgins have been added since the Seaxes underwhelming showing last season, so giving their line-up a more robust feel.

  • The big question: There are a number. How much difference will a genuine ‘finisher’ like Higgins make to Middlesex’s batting prowess? Will Blake Cullen recover from last season’s injuries to bolster an attack too often put to the sword in this format? And did Eskinazi learn anything from his stint in the Big Bash League with which to inspire his troops?
  • Wildcard watch: Joe Cracknell – With only two players, snapped up so far, several Middlesex players have cases to make. However, in a game where fans want to see big hits, franchises might want to take a look at Cracknell, an exciting young batter who strikes a long ball and who’s impressed in the Blast in recent seasons.

Having a ‘finisher’ like Higgins back in harness gives Middlesex a better balance with the bat. Others like Cracknell and young quicks Toby Greatwood and Max Harris are now a year older, but they may need Blake Cullen fit and Tom Helm at his best to improve on just two quarter-final appearances since lifting the trophy in 2008.

Squad News

Men’s Head Coach Matt Walker has named the same squad of 13 that was victorious in the Battle of the Battle.

Matt Quinn continues to replace Fred Klaassen, who misses out through injury.

Australia’s Wes Agar is still in place in the Spitfires’ T20 squad over Kane Richardson (side strain), with two overseas players permitted in the Playing XI. Arshdeep Singh is only available for Kent in the County Championship, as per the terms of his Overseas spell.

Zak Crawley is with England’s Test setup for the Ashes.

Kent’s full Matchday Squad, presented by Shepherd Neame >>>

Kent Spitfires matchday squad vs. Middlesex: Sam Billings (Captain), Wes Agar (Overseas player), Daniel Bell-Drummond, Alex Blake, Jordan Cox, Joe Denly, Joey Evison, Michael Hogan, Jack Leaning, George Linde (Overseas player), Tawanda Muyeye, Matt Quinn, Grant Stewart.

Friday night T20s are back!

Kent Spitfires’ final home T20 match of the South Group is against Sussex Sharks next Friday!

Buy your tickets now to avoid disappointment & lock in supporting your Spitfires now in an exciting Summer of white-ball cricket:

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Members do not need to pre-book their space at T20 matches as per last season – entry will be gained by scanning a valid 2023 Kent Cricket Membership card at the gate.

Match Previews of Kent’s Vitality Blast fixtures are proudly sponsored by Shepherd Neame >>>