Below you can find picks for Round 8 of the County Championship season from The Stats Zone's top Cricket tipsters. All times given are based on UK start times.
Friday, May 24
Division One
Durham vs Somerset – 11:00 BST
Hampshire vs Surrey - 11:00 BST
Kent vs Essex - 11:00 BST
Lancashire vs Warwickshire - 11:00 BST
Worcestershire vs Nottinghamshire - 11:00 BST
Division Two
Gloucestershire vs Derbyshire – 11:00 BST
Leicestershire vs Glamorgan – 11:00 BST
Middlesex vs Sussex – 11:00 BST
Northamptonshire vs Yorkshire – 11:00 BST
Durham vs Somerset – 11:00 BST
This is likely to be the first home fixture of the season for Durham which sees zero interruption and loss of overs due to inclement weather. As a result, expect to see the best of last season’s Division Two champions, who are sure to come out of the traps firing following their defeat to Lancashire.
Although Somerset are unbeaten across the season so far, Durham poses a stiff examination and arguably their toughest challenge from a batting point of view. With that in mind, back Durham is well worth considering.
Prediction: Durham draw no bet
Kent vs Essex – 11:00 BST
Despite the best efforts of Zak Crawley, Kent were outplayed by Somerset across four days at Taunton and beaten in the end. More injuries to their bowling attack exacerbated matters and they aren’t in the best of shape ahead of Essex’s visit to Canterbury.
The Eagles would’ve defeated Kent in round two if not for the rain and resolves of Jaydn Denly. But with a better forecast this time around and a full-strength bowling attack available, Essex should have better luck on this occasion.
Prediction: Essex draw no bet
Hampshire vs Surrey – 11:00 BST
Surrey’s winning streak was extended last time out, as was their cushion at the top of the Division One table, after a hard-fought win over Worcestershire. Hampshire were also winners in round seven, getting the better of Nottinghamshire in a tight contest.
Surrey however, pose the ultimate challenge and it is hard to see Hampshire’s brittle batting unit being able to match that of the back-to-back county champions. Back Surrey to emerge victorious on the South Coast.
Prediction: Surrey draw no bet
