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ESS vs HAM Match Analysis

The high-stakes South Group encounter between Essex and Hampshire is scheduled to take place at the County Ground in Chelmsford on July 17, 2025. The evening clash promises fireworks with both sides coming off strong wins in their previous games.

Essex have found their rhythm in the competition with a settled core and balanced performances. Anchored by experienced names like Simon Harmer and Tom Westley, they’ve shown consistency with both bat and ball.

Hampshire brings firepower and versatility into this fixture, boasting a dangerous mix of experience and explosive talent. Their recent run chase against Sussex showed their batting depth and composure under pressure.

Essex vs Hampshire Team Preview & Squads

Essex

ESS benefits from Simon Harmer’s poised leadership and astute game awareness. His off-spin and ability to read match situations provide the team with a crucial edge. As a senior pro with leadership success in county cricket, he remains the heartbeat of the squad.

Essex’s batting lineup is a mix of solid technique and flair, with Dean Elgar offering anchorage and Michael-Kyle Pepper and Paul Walter adding attacking firepower. Jordan Cox, fresh off notable T20 stints, strengthens the middle order. With Westley and Critchley also contributing, Essex have reliable options throughout.

The bowling unit is led by Simon Harmer’s spin and complemented by a pace trio of Jamie Porter, Sam Cook, and Shane Snater. Rajitha’s international experience sharpens the pace attack, while Critchley’s spin strengthens Essex’s grip through the middle overs.

In their last outing, ESS made light work of Sussex at Chelmsford. After restricting the visitors to a modest 145, the chase was clinically executed. Paul Walter and Matt Critchley ensured Essex crossed the line with ease, winning by 6 wickets. The victory came with 23 balls to spare, showing their dominance at home.

Essex Squad

Essex Squad

Tom Westley, Nick Browne, Kasun Rajitha, Matt Critchley, Dean Elgar, Simon Harmer (C), Jamie Porter, Michael-Kyle Pepper, Paul Walter, Shane Snater, Samuel Cook, Jordan Cox (wk), Robin Das, Jamal Richards, Luc Benkenstein, Noah Thain, Mackenzie Jones, Charles Allison

Hampshire

HAM leans on James Vince, whose stylish batting and sharp cricketing mind make him indispensable. His leadership has been steady, guiding the team to crucial wins in pressure games. With a wealth of experience in white-ball formats, he sets the tone for the squad.

Hampshire’s top and middle order are packed with firepower—Vince, Gubbins, and McDermott offer a fearsome trio. All-rounders like Ross Whiteley and Benny Howell provide late-overs acceleration. The team can afford to attack early, knowing there’s depth in the lower-middle order.

Kyle Abbott and Mohammad Abbas spearhead a seasoned pace attack, while Liam Dawson brings left-arm spin control. Michael Neser adds variety and economy, with Mason Crane offering wrist-spin threats. The combination of pace and spin options makes Hampshire a bowling-rich outfit.

HAM secured a convincing win against Sussex in their last game. Chasing 168, their batters were in cruise control, wrapping up the win in just 17.2 overs. Vince’s composed knock set the tone, and Whiteley added the final punch to seal the deal. The result, a 6-wicket win with 16 balls to spare, showed their superior batting depth.

Hampshire Squad

Hampshire Squad

Kyle Abbott, Mason Crane, Liam Dawson, James Vince (C), James Fuller, Ross Whiteley, Michael Neser, Ben McDermott (wk), Mohammad Abbas, Keith Barker, Ben Brown, Nick Gubbins, Chris Wood, Benny Howell, Felix Organ, Brad Wheal, Joe Weatherley, Jack Campbell, Nathan Ellis, Scott Currie, Tom Prest, Toby Albert (wk), Fletcha Middleton, John Turner, Ali Orr, Harry Petrie, Dominic Kelly, Eddie Jack, Joseph Eckland

ESS vs HAM Outfield Report

County Ground, Chelmsford

The pitch at Chelmsford is traditionally batting-friendly with true bounce and value for shots. Spinners get grip as the match progresses, making middle-overs crucial. Expect a high-scoring game unless early moisture assists the Pacers.

The forecast for match day predicts clear skies with mild wind and no rain interruptions. Pleasant weather in the 21–23°C range should make for excellent playing conditions, with minimal impact from dew in the second innings.

Chelmsford has seen first innings scores in the 170–190 range in recent years. Anything below 160 could be tricky to defend, especially under lights. The highest score here is 226/4, while the lowest defended total has been 147, indicating a balanced surface with a slight batting edge.

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

In their last five T20 encounters, Essex and Hampshire have shared wins almost equally, with Hampshire slightly edging it 3-2.

ESS vs HAM Prediction

According to cricket analysts Hampshire have a 58% chance of Winning.