Match Preview: Middlesex vs. Kent Spitfires
Lord’s Cricket Ground in London will play host to Sunday afternoon Vitality Blast action as Kent Spitfires face Middlesex.
Following defeat to Hampshire Hawks on Friday night, the Spitfires will look to return to winning ways as the Vitality Blast South Group reaches its business end.
Grant Stewart is now the spearhead of the Spitfires’ bowling attack – 10 wickets at an average of 20.50 see the Italian international ahead of the likes of Fred Klaassen (nine) and George Linde (eight).
Afghanistan’s Qais Ahmad has seven wickets with an economy of 7.57 with his leg-spin, and Jack Leaning’s off-spinners have contributed four wickets at 7.36 runs an over so far.
With bat in hand, Joe Denly continues to lead the way for Kent – his 317 tournament runs give him an average of 39.62.
Jordan Cox has 237 tournament runs at an average of 29.62, whilst Linde’s batting strike rate of 159.79 has helped towards his contribution of 155 runs.
Opposition report
Middlesex have three wins from their first nine matches of this year’s Vitality Blast.
Last time out between the two sides, an explosive century from Joe Denly helped Kent Spitfires to their first win of the season, as they won by 55 runs at Canterbury.
Chris Green took three for 29 and Martin Andersson three for 32 as Middlesex reined Kent in during the death overs, but they were always behind the run rate and closed on 138 for seven.
Middlesex have Australia’s Green and Jason Behrendorff in their ranks, whilst Martin Andersson (15) and Toby Roland-Jones (10) lead the way with the ball.
Stephen Eskinazi’s 284 runs at a strike rate of 171.08 have propelled Middlesex’s T20 captain to the head of their run scorers so far in the tournament – deputised by Max Holden’s 197 at an average of 21.88.
Live Streaming
Middlesex vs. Kent Spitfires will be streamed live inside Match Centre on the Kent Cricket website, with pictures, commentary and YouTube feed being provided by Middlesex Cricket.
Team News
We’ve named an unchanged squad of 15 from our visit to Southampton on Friday night.
Darren Stevens, Harry Podmore & Nathan Gilchrist all remain unavailable due to injury.
Kent’s full Matchday Squad, presented by Shepherd Neame >>>
Next Home Match
Kent Spitfires host Gloucestershire in T20 action at The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence
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Match Previews of Kent Spitfires’ Vitality Blast fixtures are proudly sponsored by Shepherd Neame >>>
