2021 County Championship – Hampshire vs Leicestershire Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Hampshire vs Leicestershire taking place? Wednesday 19th May, 2021 – 11:00 (UK)
Where is Hampshire vs Leicestershire taking place? The Ageas Bowl, Southampton
What is the expected weather for Hampshire vs Leicestershire? Potential showers throughout days one and two but mainly dry across the weekend
Where can I get tickets for Hampshire vs Leicestershire? 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 Leicestershire on? This match will not be televised live in the UK
Where can I stream Hampshire vs Leicestershire? Matches can be streamed live on the official websites of the First-Class Counties
THE PREDICTION
A seven-wicket victory inside three days at Lord’s got Hampshire back on track after back-to-back defeats. That win over Middlesex ended a run of three matches without a win after the southerners had declined in terms of both performances and results. Since their opening day victory against Leicestershire, in the reverse fixture of this week’s match, Hampshire have only scored more than 300 on two occasions and have been bowled out for less than 100 twice. That 612-5 declared against the Foxes was always going to be difficult to maintain, especially against the pre-season expectation that Leicester were the least fancied county. A bowling attack led by Mohammad Abbas and Kyle Abbott with a batting middle-order of Sam Northeast and James Vince shouldn’t stay out of form for too long.
Leicestershire, on the other hand, have performed quite well now for a month or so - but they remain winless in Group 2. They have earned two draws against the star-studded Surrey and thrown away a 146-run first innings lead to lose against Gloucestershire. Despite their winless start now being five matches, they have scored 375+ in three of their last four first innings totals. That has been led by the impressive top three of Hassan Azad, Sam Evans and Australian international Marcus Harris. The form of Evans, in particular, has been fantastic. The opener has raced to 429 runs with three centuries. However, he isn’t their leading run scorer as Lewis Hill has scored 527 in the middle order after scoring four half-centuries and one century. Chris Wright’s 24 wickets is also a good return but the depth in their bowling is almost non-existent with spinner Callum Parkinson the only other player to have taken wickets into the double figures.
Given that lack of potency with the ball, Hampshire will be confident of posting another big score against the Foxes like they did in the opening round of fixtures. They will also be fairly confident their international bowling attack will be able to prevent Leicestershire continuing their good batting form. A Hampshire victory would be the favoured result.
