Cricket Prediction | SOM vs ESS | Vitality Blast Men 2025 | South Group | July 08 – Upset Alert or Routine Win?

SOM vs ESS Match Analysis

The South Group clash between Somerset and Essex in the 2025 Vitality Blast will take place on July 8 at Taunton. The match is expected to start in the evening under lights, ideal for a T20 contest. A high-energy contest is anticipated between two well-matched sides.

Somerset has shown great intent this season with a deep and flexible squad. Their batting lineup, powered by the likes of Tom Banton and Tom Kohler-Cadmore, is capable of explosive starts and late surges. 

Essex may not be the flashiest side, but they’ve mastered the art of winning close games. The team combines experienced internationals like Mohammad Amir and Simon Harmer with young, fearless talent. 

Somerset vs Essex Team Preview & Squads

Somerset 

His front-foot captaincy has provided clear direction and unlocked the team’s true power, making Tom Kohler-Cadmore a driving force behind their rise. He is also a reliable power-hitter, capable of turning games in the Powerplay.

With a batting order that includes Tom Banton, Will Smeed, Tom Lammonby, and Lewis Gregory, SOM is never out of a chase. Andrew Umeed and James Rew offer solid anchors to balance the flair. From quicks to tweakers, SOM bowling attack has all bases covered. Craig Overton and Riley Meredith provide speed and aggression up front, while Roelof van der Merwe and Shakib control the middle overs. Ben Green and Jack Leach offer wicket-taking options at different phases.

In their last match, Somerset chased down 179 against Hampshire at Southampton with 1 ball to spare. Tom Banton’s brisk start and Kohler-Cadmore’s middle-overs composure set up the chase. Lewis Gregory provided the finishing touch with a clinical cameo. The four-wicket win further solidified their credentials as title contenders.

Somerset Squad

Somerset

Josh Davey, Shakib Al Hasan, Ben Green, Roelof van der Merwe, Jake Ball, Tom Kohler-Cadmore (C), Andrew Umeed, Tom Abell, Lewis Gregory, Jack Leach, Craig Overton, Sean Dickson, Tom Banton (wk), Riley Meredith, Tom Lammonby, Kasey Aldridge, Lewis Goldsworthy, Ned Leonard, Will Smeed, James Rew, Sonny Baker, Joshua Thomas, George Thomas II, Alfie Ogborne, Shoaib Bashir, Archie Vaughan, Charlie Cassell, Joe Heywood

Essex

In tense situations, Harmer steers ESS with sharp strategy and unshaken calmness. He’s a spin ace who can influence games both with the ball and with his field placements. His leadership in crunch moments has been a big part of Essex’s recent T20 success.

The reliability of Elgar and Pepper up front is complemented by the explosive potential of Critchley and Walter in the middle overs. Jordan Cox and Robin Das can shift gears late in the innings. Their ability to bat deep makes them dangerous in both chases and first-innings builds.

Mohammad Amir’s fiery spells and international savvy make him a key threat with the new ball. Seamers like Jamie Porter and Samuel Cook back Simon Harmer’s control in the middle overs. Shane Snater and Critchley add further options to rotate depending on match-ups.

ESS moved past Surrey in a fantastic DLS thriller. Chasing 142 in a 12-over contest, they found themselves needing to score off the very last ball of the game, winning the game by 4 wickets. The positive starts provided by Michael Pepper’s rapid innings, and Paul Walter’s calm control at the other end helped steer Essex home with a truly statement performance in an important match.

Essex Squad

Essex

Mohammad Amir, Tom Westley, Nick Browne, Matt Critchley, Dean Elgar, Simon Harmer (C), Adam Rossington, 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, Simon Fernandes

SOM vs ESS Outfield Report

The Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton

Taunton is known for being a high-scoring ground with a flat surface and short square boundaries. When the match moves into the second innings under lights, spinners usually step up. The bounce remains true, making stroke play easier throughout.

The weather in Taunton on July 8 is expected to be partly cloudy, with a high of 22°C and a minimal chance of rain. Expect some swing early on, thanks to the presence of moderate humidity. Overall, good conditions for a full game of cricket.

At Taunton, teams batting first generally aim for 180–200 runs to feel secure. Chasing has also been successful here thanks to the flat wicket and fast outfield. The lowest defendable score here in recent times has been around 160.

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

Somerset and Essex have been neck-and-neck in their last five meetings, with Somerset slightly ahead, winning 3 of them. 

SOM vs ESS Prediction

According to cricket analysts Somerset have a 70% 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.