Match Preview: Kent Spitfires vs. Somerset
A repeat of the 2021 Vitality Blast Final sees Somerset travel to The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence to face Kent Spitfires.
In a hotly-contested tie ‘under the lights’ at The Spitfire Ground, the Spitfires will hope to re-create their form of the 2021 Vitality Blast South Group stage, where Kent topped the table going into the knockout rounds.
Kent will be captained by Sam Billings after his return from the IPL, and both Qais Ahmad and George Linde will two of the Spitfires’ overseas slots for the tournament.
Darren Stevens is now only 10 wickets away from becoming Kent Spitfires’ all-time top wicket-taker.
Tickets
Very limited tickets are still available to purchase online via the button below:
Check ticket availability
Any returned tickets will also be released back into the system via the link above.
Matchday Information
Important matchday information for Members, Six Pack Ticket Bundle holders & those that have purchased matchday tickets can be accessed via the button below:
View Matchday Information
Included is:
- Latest travel information
- Confirmation of the parking process for this match
& more.
Weather forecast
View Kent Cricket’s Wet Weather Policy
Vitality Blast Blast Off Show
Premiering on Kent Cricket’s official Facebook page and YouTube channel from 19:30 on Tuesday 24 May – featuring exclusive interviews with Kent players and coaches as we look ahead to the 2022 Vitality Blast.
Hosted by David Fulton and proudly supported by Shepherd Neame.
Live Streaming
Kent Spitfires vs. Somerset will be televised live on Sky Sports in the UK.
This match will therefore have no Live Stream on YouTube, but a live scorecard will run on the Match Centre on the Kent Cricket website.
Opposition report
Somerset have secured the services of overseas stars Peter Siddle and Rilee Rossouw for the 2022 Vitality Blast, as well as a returning paceman in Marchant de Lange.
de Lange was Somerset’s top wicket-taker in the Blast last season, with 18 at 18.09, whilst Craig Overton had a bowling strike rate of 17.0 for his 13 wickets in 11 matches.
2021’s runners-up saw big contributions with the bat from Tom Abell (295 runs, 161.20 S/R) and Will Smeed (385 runs @ 32.08, as well as a destructive strike rate of 176.08 for England T20 star Tom Banton, who scored a century against Kent at The Spitfire Ground during the group stage.
Somerset finished second in the Group Stage of last year’s tournament, one point behind Kent, and reached the final after victories over Lancashire Lightning and Hampshire Hawks.
Team News
Sam Billings returns to skipper a 15-strong Kent Spitfires squad for the return of T20 cricket to ‘Fortress Canterbury’.
Qais Ahmad has arrived for his second stint as a Kent Spitfire after being a part of the victorious 2021 Vitality Blast squad.
George Linde could make his first appearance as a Spitfire, and calls upon IT20 experience with South Africa as well as featuring in 106 T20 matches in his career to-date.
Wicketkeeper-batter Ollie Robinson has joined Durham on loan for this season’s Vitality Blast, and Ben Compton has been selected for a County Select XI to take on New Zealand later this week.
Kent’s full Matchday Squad, presented by Shepherd Neame >>>
Next Home Match
Kent Spitfires take on Essex Eagles in the Battle of the Bridge as they contest the second tie of this season’s Mike Denness Shield in the Vitality Blast
Buy tickets now
Match Previews of Kent Spitfires’ Vitality Blast fixtures are proudly sponsored by Shepherd Neame >>>
