Cricket Prediction | ESS vs MID | Vitality Blast Men 2025 | South Group | June 08 – Winless No More – But Who?

ESS vs MID Match Analysis

Essex vs Middlesex, South Group at Chelmsford, Vitality Blast Men, June 08, 2025. The match is set to commence under lights at the County Ground, Chelmsford, starting at 7:00 PM local time. 

Essex comes into this game under pressure after a forgettable showing against Somerset. Despite their rich talent pool, the team failed to deliver with the bat and couldn’t challenge a strong Somerset chase. 

Middlesex, on the other hand, continues to struggle with inconsistency. Their batters fell short against Glamorgan, struggling to build a total worth defending. With a few key players out of form, they’ll need a much more cohesive display to topple Essex.

Essex vs Middlesex Team Preview & Squads

Essex

Every over Harmer bowls is a statement, and every decision he makes is a move on a grand tactical board. He brings international exposure and a habit of delivering breakthroughs in pressure situations. 

A wealth of experience fuels ESS’s batting strength, led by the likes of Dean Elgar, Michael-Kyle Pepper, and Tom Westley. The presence of all-rounders like Daniel Sams and Paul Walter offers stability and finishing firepower. 

The Essex bowling attack is spearheaded by Mohammad Amir, Samuel Cook, and Simon Harmer himself. Their combination of spin and pace gives them the versatility to tackle any surface. Daniel Sams and Eathan Bosch add variation with their seam-bowling skills.

Struggling to find rhythm, Essex posted a modest total of 148 runs. Somerset chased the target comfortably, reaching 149/2 in just 15.5 overs. Essex bowlers failed to apply pressure, conceding runs at an alarming rate. 

Essex Squad

Essex

Mohammad Amir, Tom Westley, Nick Browne, Eathan Bosch, Matt Critchley, Dean Elgar, Simon Harmer (c), Adam Rossington (wk), Jamie Porter, Feroze Khushi, Michael-Kyle Pepper, Paul Walter, Aaron Beard, Shane Snater, Samuel Cook, Daniel Sams, Jordan Cox, Ben Allison, Robin Das, Jamal Richards, Luc Benkenstein, Noah Thain, Mackenzie Jones, Charles Allison.

Middlesex

He leads with quiet steel and scores with consistent flair—Middlesex’s metronome in madness. Able to both stabilize the innings and change tempo when the situation demands. Eskinazi’s leadership will be crucial in guiding a young and somewhat unsettled side.

Middlesex’s batting lineup revolves around Eskinazi, Max Holden, and Leus du Plooy. While there’s talent, the middle-order has been inconsistent, often collapsing under pressure. The side will need stronger partnerships and better utilization of powerplays to post or chase competitive totals.

With experienced seamers like Tom Helm, Ethan Bamber, and Toby Roland-Jones, MID has a well-rounded pace attack. Luke Hollman and Thilan Walallawita provide spin options, but they lack the bite seen in more dominant attacks. Execution at the death remains a concern.

Middlesex posted a modest 124/9 on a good batting surface, failing to capitalize on starts. Glamorgan chased down the target with ease, winning by 5 wickets and 27 balls to spare. Middlesex bowlers lacked penetration, and their fielding was sub-par. 

Middlesex Squad

Middlesex

Max Holden, Tim Murtagh, Pieter Malan, Robbie White, Sam Robson, John Simpson, Tom Helm, Mark Stoneman, Toby Roland-Jones, Ryan Higgins, Martin Andersson, Thilan Walallawita, Leus du Plooy, Henry Brookes, Ethan Bamber, Jack Davies (wk), Luke Hollman, Blake Cullen, Joe Benjamin Cracknell, Stephen Eskinazi (c), Joshua De Caires, Max Harris, Toby Greatwood, Daniel O’Driscoll, Ishaan Kaushal, Nathan Fernandes, Noah Cornwell.

ESS vs MID Outfield Report

County Ground, Chelmsford

The Chelmsford surface is traditionally flat and batter-friendly early on, offering true bounce and value for shots. Spinners tend to come into play as the game progresses, especially under lights. Expect a high-scoring encounter unless early movement helps the new-ball bowlers.

Clear skies are expected on matchday with little chance of rain. Temperatures will hover around 19°C during the game, providing ideal conditions for cricket. Light breezes could slightly aid seam movement early on.

At Chelmsford, first-innings scores often range between 170 and 190, with anything above 200 being match-winning. Chasing teams have done well historically if the dew factor kicks in. Unless the pitch is unusually sluggish, lowest defendable targets usually stay above 150.

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

Essex has had the upper hand in recent encounters, winning 3 of the last 5 matches against Middlesex. Middlesex, however, pulled off a surprise win in their last meeting, making this an even contest on paper.

ESS vs MID Prediction

According to cricket analysts Essex have a 52% 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.