Cricket Prediction | ESS vs GLO | Vitality Blast Men 2025 | South Group | July 04 – Pressure, Points & Prediction – Who Has the Edge Today?

Essex vs Gloucestershire Match Analysis

The highly anticipated Vitality Blast South Group clash between Essex and Gloucestershire will take place on July 4, 2025, at Chelmsford. The match is scheduled for an evening start, promising an exciting contest under lights at one of the county’s iconic grounds.

Essex comes into this game with a mix of experience and youthful talent. Known for their strong batting lineup and versatile bowling attack, they can dominate in the T20 format. Their home advantage at Chelmsford will be a key factor as they look to bounce back from a recent defeat.

Gloucestershire has shown resilience and determination in the tournament so far. Led by an experienced captain and backed by a balanced squad, they have the firepower to challenge any side on their day. 

ESS vs GLO Team Preview & Squads

Essex

Simon Harmer leads ESS with composure and strategic acumen. As a seasoned all-rounder, he brings experience and tactical insight crucial in high-pressure T20 games. Harmer’s leadership has been instrumental in guiding the team through tight contests this season.

ESS’s top order is fortified by experienced players like Tom Westley and Dean Elgar, ensuring consistency at the crease. The middle order, including Adam Rossington and Paul Walter, offers aggressive stroke play and finishing power. The presence of young talents such as Feroze Khushi and Jordan Cox adds promising firepower lower down.

The bowling unit is led by seamers Jamie Porter and Shane Snater, who bring control and wicket-taking ability. Spin all-rounder Simon Harmer contributes crucial overs in the middle. Supporting them are promising pace bowlers like Aaron Beard and Samuel Cook, ensuring a balanced attack.

In their last Vitality Blast outing, Essex suffered a heavy defeat against Kent at Chelmsford. Kent posted a formidable 219/3, and Essex could only manage 172 in 19 overs, losing by 47 runs. Despite the loss, Essex showed glimpses of fight but lacked consistency in both departments. 

Essex Squad

Essex

Tom Westley, Nick Browne, Matt Critchley, Dean Elgar, Simon Harmer (C), Adam Rossington, Jamie Porter, Feroze Khushi, Michael-Kyle Pepper (WK), Paul Walter, Aaron Beard, Shane Snater, Samuel Cook, Jordan Cox (WK), Ben Allison, Robin Das, Jamal Richards, Luc Benkenstein, Noah Thain, Charles Allison, Simon Fernandes.

Gloucestershire

The team gains strength from Jack Taylor’s clear-headed and unwavering captaincy. His leadership has been key in close encounters this season, inspiring the team with steady decision-making.

GLO’s batting has been led by Cameron Bancroft (WK) and Curtis Campher, providing experience and power at the top. Van Buuren and Hammond provide a reliable backbone in the middle, with the added skill to accelerate when needed. 

Pace ace Marchant de Lange spearheads the attack, bringing both pace and bounce to the crease. Spin options from Zafar Gohar and Tom Smith add variety. The seam attack is bolstered by Curtis Campher and David Payne, giving Gloucestershire a well-rounded bowling attack.

GLO secured a thrilling 2-wicket victory over Hampshire at Bristol in their previous match. Chasing 125, they managed to scrape home with just one ball to spare at 130/8. This win highlights their ability to handle pressure and close out tight games, which will be crucial at Chelmsford.

Gloucestershire Squad

Gloucestershire

Marchant de Lange, Matt Taylor, Cameron Bancroft (WK), Zafar Gohar, Graeme van Buuren, Curtis Campher, Chris Dent, David Payne, Jack Taylor (C), Miles Hammond, Josh Shaw, James Bracey, Beau Webster, Tom Smith, Ben Charlesworth, Tom Price, Ajeet Singh Dale, Dominic Goodman, Ollie Price, Ben Wells, Zaman Akhter, Luke Charlesworth, Tommy Boorman, Joe Phillips, Ahmed Mujtaba Syed, Edward Middleton, Archie Bailey.

ESS vs GLO Outfield Report

County Ground, Chelmsford

The pitch at Chelmsford traditionally offers good bounce and true pace, favoring stroke play and allowing batsmen to play their shots freely. Spinners can extract some turn later in the innings, making it a balanced surface for both batsmen and bowlers. The outfield’s speed often turns sharp hitting into effortless boundaries.

The weather forecast predicts a mild day with temperatures hovering around 22°C (72°F). Conditions should remain dry, with light winds favoring batting under clear skies. Late evening could see a slight drop in temperature, which may assist bowlers during the final overs.

Historically, teams batting first at Chelmsford in the Vitality Blast have posted totals ranging between 150 and 190 runs, while successful chases hover around 160-180. The pitch tends to settle as the match progresses, making the second innings chase slightly more challenging, especially if dew is absent.

Essex vs Gloucestershire Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches

In their last five encounters, Essex have edged Gloucestershire with three wins to two. However, the contests have been close, with both sides showing competitive spirit. 

ESS vs GLO Prediction

According to cricket analysts Gloucestershire have a 53% chance of Winning.

Disclaimer: This cricket prediction is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.