Below you can find picks for Round 7 of the County Championship season from The Stats Zone's top Cricket tipsters. All times given are based on UK start times.
Friday, May 17
Division One
Essex vs Warwickshire – 11:00 BST
Lancashire vs Durham - 11:00 BST
Nottinghamshire vs Hampshire - 11:00 BST
Somerset vs Kent - 11:00 BST
Surrey vs Worcestershire - 11:00 BST
Division Two
Derbyshire vs Northamptonshire – 11:00 BST
Glamorgan vs Middlesex – 11:00 BST
Leicestershire vs Gloucestershire – 11:00 BST
Sussex vs Yorkshire – 11:00 BST
Lancashire vs Durham – 11:00 BST
All eyes will be on Stanley Park, Blackpool with the expectation that England test captain Ben Stokes will be making his first appearance of the season for Durham. This could well serve as the boost the visitors need to secure their second win in Division One, especially when taking into account the all-round abilities of Stokes assuming he will be bowling. Lancashire have lost three consecutive fixtures and are now floundering right at the bottom of the table, so back Durham to kick them whilst down and come out on top here.
Prediction: Durham draw no bet
Somerset vs Kent – 11:00 BST
The pitch at Taunton isn’t expected to be as green as the one which saw Somerset beat Essex by three wickets in a two-day lottery. However, that doesn’t disguise the fact that the Cidermen look a dangerous outfit in 2024, largely due to the excellent captaincy of Lewis Gregory. Kent spent virtually all of their last game against Worcestershire on the back foot, although they came out with a credible draw. But on what is likely to be a more bowler-friendly track, they may not be as successful against Somerset. Back the hosts to claim victory.
Prediction: Somerset draw no bet
Surrey vs Worcestershire – 11:00 BST
If you were to already claim Surrey as champions elect, it would be understandable if plenty were to agree. The back-to-back title winners have won each of their last three games and look truly impregnable at the Kia Oval. Worcestershire have impressed so far this season and shown they won’t be going straight back down without a real fight. But with overseas star Jason Holder having now left the club, they will miss his ability with both bat and ball, not to mention his general leadership. Expect Surrey to be just too good for the Pears on this occasion.
Prediction: Surrey draw no bet
