Surrey make the short trip north of the river tomorrow night to face Middlesex at Lord’s in the second edition of the Vitality Blast London Derby
Sam Curran’s side have already secured a home quarter-final following Sunday’s victory over Somerset.
Play gets underway at 6:15pm, with the match being broadcast live on Sky Sports Cricket.
SURREY SQUAD
Wicketkeeper Josh Blake comes into the squad alongside spin bowler Yousef Majid. Ben Foakes is sidelined with an injury picked up on Sunday, with Laurie Evans sidelined with a hand injury sustained in Friday’s win over Glamorgan.
HOW CAN I KEEP UP WITH THE GAME?
The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Cricket.
Surrey Cricket’s social media channels will provide live updates, with clips and highlights posted throughout the day. A written report and highlights will be available at the end of the match
MIDDLESEX
Previewed by Jon Batham, ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay
Captain: Stephen Eskinazi
Overseas players: Kane Williamson (New Zealand, full competition) and Josh Little (Ireland, full competition)
Finals Day appearances: One (2008)
Titles: One (2008)
2024 finish: Eighth (South Group)
2024 leading runscorer: Martin Andersson (282)
2024 leading wicket taker: Luke Hollman (23)
Key winter moves: The signings of a world-class batter in Kane Williamson and left-arm seamer Josh Little, a man with stacks of experience of franchise cricket, is a statement of intent. Last year’s leading run-scorer Martin Andersson has left for Derbyshire and it remains to be seen if another new arrival, Zafar Gohar will form a two-pronged spin attack alongside Luke Hollman.
The big question: Can Middlesex live up to head coach Richard Johnson’s great expectations? Johnson declared pre-season it was time to move from ‘developing to winning’. Williamson and Little’s presences will help, but youngsters invested in over recent years need to emulate Hollman’s feats from 2024 if the Seaxes are to improve on their record since lifting the trophy in 2008.
Wildcard watch: Joe Cracknell. The 25-year-old regressed a little last season, when shifted around the order and unable to settle into a specific role. However, whether in the powerplay or as a finisher he’s shown his ability as a big-hitter and a return to his best could see him add to the three appearances made for London Spirit in the inaugural Hundred of 2021.
Final thought: The only way is up for Middlesex, but their long-suffering supporters have heard that before. Andersson was 41stamong tournament runscorers last season while Max Holden’s strike-rate of 160 was strong but he rarely batted long enough. Williamson’s presence should help the pace the innings, which had some good starts but too many collapses. Hollman, fifth in last season’s list of wicket-takers can shine again, while Little’s experience in the powerplay and death overs will be key to any improvement.
