Cricket Prediction | ESS vs SOM | Vitality Blast Men 2025 | South Group | June 1 – Can Essex Pull Off a Win?

ESS vs SOM Match Analysis

This exciting South Group Vitality Blast clash takes place at Chelmsford on June 1st, 2025. The match is scheduled to start in the evening, promising an entertaining contest under lights. An early win will be on the radar for both teams as they look to set the tone for their campaign.

Essex enters this match with a talented squad, blending experienced internationals like Dean Elgar and Mohammad Amir with promising young talents such as Robin Das and Luc Benkenstein. 

Led by the ever-reliable Lewis Gregory, Somerset’s strength is further amplified by the explosive batting duo of Tom Lammonby and Tom Banton. Their bowling attack is versatile, including seasoned campaigners like Jack Leach.

Essex vs Somerset Team Preview & Squads

Essex

At the helm of ESS, Simon Harmer offers both tactical brilliance and composed leadership, drawn from years of T20 experience. His skills as a leg-spinner add an important dimension to the bowling attack.

In a lineup of flair and fire, Elgar is the seasoned spine, holding it all together with quiet authority. Youngsters like Robin Das and Jordan Cox add exciting strokeplay options in the middle order. However, the team needs more consistent contributions from the lower order to post or chase big totals effectively.

With Mohammad Amir leading the pace attack, Essex have a potent threat with pace and swing. The spin department is well managed by Simon Harmer, supported by Matt Critchley’s off-spin. Additionally, Daniel Sams offers variety with his pace and death bowling skills, providing balance to the bowling unit.

In their last outing against Hampshire at Southampton on May 30, 2025, Essex struggled significantly with the bat. Hampshire posted a strong 230/7, putting Essex under pressure early. Essex could only manage 124 runs in 16.2 overs while chasing, losing by a heavy margin of 106 runs. This defeat highlights areas Essex must improve, especially in their batting resilience.

Essex Squad

Essex

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

Somerset

Lewis Gregory leads SOM with a blend of aggressive cricket and all-round skills, inspiring the team through his performances. His leadership has helped nurture young talent and maintain a competitive mindset. 

SOM’s batting boasts dynamic players like Tom Banton (wk) and Tom Lammonby, who can accelerate the innings at crucial moments. Abell’s presence in the middle order lends calm and control, backed by years of experience. 

The bowling unit is well-rounded, featuring experienced seamers like Craig Overton and Matt Henry alongside rising stars like Riley Meredith. With Jack Leach offering steady left-arm spin and Roelof van der Merwe contributing as a versatile all-rounder, the spin department is well-equipped to adapt to diverse surfaces.

Somerset recorded a confident win over Surrey at Taunton on May 30, 2025. Surrey posted a modest 146/9, which Somerset chased down with 147/5 in 17.5 overs, winning by 5 wickets with 13 balls to spare. 

Somerset Squads

Somerset

Tom Kohler-Cadmore, James Rew, Andrew Umeed, Sean Dickson, Will Smeed, Tom Abell, Tom Lammonby, Tom Banton(wk), Finley Hill, Joshua Thomas, Lewis Goldsworthy, Lewis Gregory(C), Kasey Aldridge, Matt Renshaw, George Thomas II, Archie Vaughan, Ben Green, Craig Overton, Jake Ball, Jack Leach, Alfie Ogborne, Josh Davey, Shoaib Bashir, Roelof van der Merwe, Migael Pretorius, Ned Leonard, Sonny Baker, Josh Thomas, Riley Meredith, Thomas Rew, Matt Henry, JT Langridge

ESS vs SOM Outfield Report

County Ground, Chelmsford

At Chelmsford, conditions usually ensure an even contest, with seamers enjoying some early assistance from the pitch. The surface tends to slow down slightly as the game progresses, helping spinners like Simon Harmer and Jack Leach make an impact. Batting first can be advantageous if teams set a strong foundation in the powerplay.

The weather forecast predicts a mild day with temperatures around 18°C and partly cloudy skies, ideal conditions for cricket. There is minimal chance of rain, so the match should proceed uninterrupted, with pleasant conditions for both players and spectators.

Historically, the highest team score at Chelmsford in T20s has been around 210, while the lowest totals have dipped below 120 on difficult days. Given the pitch behavior, teams batting first might aim for 180-190 runs as a competitive total, while chasing sides would find anything above 160 a good target.

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

In their last five encounters, Somerset have had a slight edge over Essex, winning three matches while Essex managed two victories. 

ESS vs SOM Prediction

According to cricket analysts Somerset 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.