2021 County Championship – Surrey vs Hampshire Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Surrey vs Hampshire taking place? Thursday 29th April, 2021 – 11:00 (UK)
Where is Surrey vs Hampshire taking place? The Kia Oval, London
What is the expected weather for Surrey vs Hampshire? Dry with sunny intervals on all four days with temperatures reaching highs of 13c
Where can I get tickets for Surrey vs Hampshire? The County Championship will initially be played without spectators but it is worth checking each county’s official website for updates
What channel is Surrey vs Hampshire on? This match will not be televised live in the UK
Where can I stream Surrey vs Hampshire? Matches can be streamed live on the official websites and YouTube channels of the First-Class Counties alongside the England Cricket App.
THE PREDICTION
Serious questions need to be asked of Surrey following their start to the season so far. A ten-wicket hammering at the hands of local rivals Middlesex sees Rory Burns’ side winless after three games, despite the collection of international players amongst their ranks and currently sit second-bottom in Group 2. Such results are unacceptable for a county that boasts over 13,000 members so it isn’t surprising that both head coach Vikram Solanki and Director of Cricket Alec Stewart are starting to come under pressure. Things don’t look like getting any better anytime soon, with Group 2 leaders Hampshire up next at the Kia Oval and looking to take out their frustrations on Surrey, after being held to a draw by Gloucestershire last time out after failing to take the final wicket that would have seen them secure a third successive County Championship victory.
Any match taking place at the Kia Oval has a very good chance of finishing a draw, with the pitch normally excellent for batting and durable over four days. However, if anyone can take 20 wickets on a track like this, then Hampshire will fancy their chances with the likes of pace bowlers Kyle Abbott and Mohammad Abbas within their ranks alongside spinners Mason Crane and Liam Dawson. The one previous match so far this season at the Kia Oval saw Surrey rack up 672/8 in a high scoring draw with Leicestershire and another draw here looks on the cards if Surrey can see off the new ball and bat well in their first innings. However, a batting collapse similar to what we’ve seen from Surrey against both Gloucestershire and Middlesex and the door will open up for Hampshire to capitalise and go on to secure what would be a third win in four County Championship matches.
