2021 County Championship – Hampshire vs Gloucestershire Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Hampshire vs Gloucestershire taking place? Thursday 22nd April, 2021 – 11:00 (UK)
Where is Hampshire vs Gloucestershire taking place? The Ageas Bowl, Southampton
What is the expected weather for Hampshire vs Gloucestershire? Dry and sunny throughout with temperatures reaching highs of 15c on Days 2 and 3.
Where can I get tickets for Hampshire vs Gloucestershire? The County Championship will initially be played without spectators but it is worth checking each county’s official website for updates
What channel is Hampshire vs Gloucestershire on? This match will not be televised live in the UK
Where can I stream Hampshire vs Gloucestershire? Matches can be streamed live on the official websites and YouTube channels of the First-Class Counties alongside the England Cricket App.
THE PREDICTION
The two sides each boasting 100% records in Group 2 clash at the Ageas Bowl with just two points currently separating group leaders Hampshire and second-placed Gloucestershire. The hosts are coming off the back of handing out another thrashing, this time to Middlesex after winning by 249 runs with Pakistan overseas pace bowler Mohammad Abbas starring after taking a hat-trick in the Middlesex first innings. Gloucestershire meanwhile, recorded a famous eight wicket victory over South West rivals Somerset, their first County Championship victory at Taunton in 28 years.
Hampshire’s opening bowling attack of Kyle Abbott and Abbas is arguably the best in the entire County Championship at present and they have spin options covered through Mason Crane and Liam Dawson. James Vince and Sam Northeast have both made positive starts to the season with the bat which has also proven crucial. Gloucestershire will comfortably provide the hosts with their sternest challenge yet and this match will likely come down to who wins the duel between the Hampshire opening bowlers and the Gloucestershire top order batting of Kraigg Brathwaite, Chris Dent and James Bracey. With home advantage and therefore pitch conditions likely to be in their favour, Hampshire should be slightly favoured here, although a draw would not be a surprise.
