Match Preview: Kent vs. Middlesex
Kent’s final match of the 2021 season sees Middlesex come to The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence to contest a straight shoot-out for Division 3 of the LV= Insurance County Championship.
The 2021 Vitality Blast champions need to gain two more points than the visitors in this match to top the Division and continue their impressive end to this campaign.
Jack Leaning is now Kent’s top run scorer in the Championship this season – he currently averages 50.78 after amassing 711 runs in 19 innings. Darren Stevens also averages 48.61 with this 632 runs.
Stevens has 34 wickets to his name at 20.17, whilst Nathan Gilchrist’s rampant form with the ball has elevated the quick to 28 wickets at 17.60.
Tickets
For our final two County Championship matches, Members and Six Pack Holders do not need to reserve seats – entry will be gained simply by scanning your Membership card at the gate, as per 2019.
For non-Members, tickets will be on sale for each day until gates open (09:30). Tickets will be available on the gate for £20 (adults) and £10 (Juniors 5 -15).
Non-Members – click here to buy Kent vs. Middlesex tickets >>>
Return of spectators
It’s our top priority to welcome you back safely to The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence, 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 supporters – 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:
The Frank Woolley Stand, Leslie Ames Stand and Chiesman Pavillion will remain inaccessible for all Members and spectators.
Opposition Report
Middlesex are currently two points ahead of Kent with 77 in Division 3, after wins over Worcestershire, Sussex and Derbyshire.
Opener Sam Robson has passed 1,000 runs in the County Championship this season including a high score of 253 against Sussex last week. New signing Mark Stoneman also recorded a score of 175, raising his current Middlesex first-class average to 37.20.
Ireland international Test bowler Tim Murtagh leads the way with wickets for the visitors this year, with 54 at an average of 18.50. Young gun Ethan Bamber also has 48 wickets at 20.20.
Last time out
Kent completed a hat-trick of LV=Insurance County Championship victories when they beat Derbyshire by 130 runs in the Division Three match at Derby.
After Kent declared on 211 for 2, setting Derbyshire an unlikely 341 for victory, the home side were bowled out for 210.
Nathan Gilchrist took 4 for 30 after Grant Stewart claimed the first two wickets to start another feeble Derbyshire collapse.
Only an eighth wicket stand of 70 between Anuj Dal,58 not out, and Ben Aitchison,36, spared Derbyshire from complete humiliation.
Live Streaming
Kent vs. Middlesex will be streamed on Kent Cricket’s Official YouTube page and embedded into the Match Centre on the Kent Cricket website.
Team News
Zak Crawley will captain the side as Club Captain Sam Billings, fresh from lifting the Vitality Blast trophy on Saturday, is travelling to join up with Delhi Capitals in the rescheduled IPL in the UAE.
Darren Stevens and Matt Milnes return to the squad after being rested for Kent’s match at Derbyshire last week.
Of the 14 players in the squad for Middlesex, seven took part in Finals Day at Edgbaston.
Kent’s full Matchday Squad, presented by Black Opal Travel Group >>>
Match Previews of Kent’s LV= Insurance County Championship fixtures are proudly sponsored by FGS Plant Ltd. >>>
