2021 County Championship – Somerset vs Gloucestershire Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Somerset vs Gloucestershire taking place? Thursday 15th April, 2021 – 11:00 (UK)
Where is Somerset vs Gloucestershire taking place? The Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton
Where can I get tickets for Somerset 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 Somerset vs Gloucestershire on? This match will not be televised live in the UK
Where can I stream Somerset vs Gloucestershire? Matches can be streamed live on the official websites of the First-Class Counties
THE PREDICTION
The relentlessness of Somerset’s bad fortune in the last couple of years remains offset against their continued impressive displays and ability to produce homegrown talent. They began their campaign with a “very-Somerset” six-wicket victory at Lord’s over Middlesex last week. Despite conceding a first innings lead of 141 runs to their hosts, they fought back to chase 285 runs in a run chase controlled by Tom Abell and George Bartlett who scored 84 and 75 not out respectively. Their first-innings collapse to 89-9, only to be rescued by Marchant de Lange’s half-century, will worry them, though.
They come up against a Gloucestershire side that pulled off a remarkable run chase against Surrey in which they raced to 229-2 in just 37.1 overs late on day four to record an eight-wicket victory to kick start their campaign. If not for the COVID-enforced restructuring, last season would’ve been Gloucestershire’s return to Division One following promotion in 2019 and their top-order of James Bracey, Chris Dent, Tom Lace and Graeme Van Buuren will all continue to look to show their top-flight credentials after each member of the top four hit half-centuries during the match against Surrey; Dent’s 78 and 91 not out being particularly impressive. West Indies’ new Test captain Kraigg Brathwaite could make his debut for the visitors but will now have a fight on his hands to find himself a position.
“Ciderabad” has always been a somewhat exaggerated analysis of Taunton’s pitch and the potential shift in focus for the home team so seam bowling with the likes of de Lange, Davey, Gregory and Overton could see a more seam-friendly pitch. Given that home advantage, Somerset will fancy their chances of making it back-to-back wins to start the season.
