Kirtley names squad for games against Surrey and Gloucestershire

T20 Head Coach James Kirtley has named his squad as the team prepare to face Surrey tomorrow night at The Oval, followed by Gloucestershire at The 1st Central County Ground on Friday night.

Although the Sharks lost on Saturday night to Hampshire, they had previously won their last three matches in a row and will look to bounce back as they take on Surrey, who currently sit at the top of the Southern group.

Our squad

Tom Alsop

Will Beer

Ravi Bopara (c)

Oli Carter

Henry Crocombe

Steve Finn

Fynn Hudson-Prentice

Archie Lenham

Obed McCoy

Tymal Mills

Ali Orr

Delray Rawlins

Tim Seifert

Harrison Ward

Team news

George Garton will not be available for selection and will be taking part in some focused rehabilitation sessions to aid his recovery from long Covid.

Luke Wright will also be rested following a slight foot injury, with the aim of being available next week.

Tom Haines was considered for selection, however due to a minor thigh injury he will instead focus on regaining fitness ahead of the next red-ball fixture on Sunday.

Last time out

On Saturday night overseas wicket-keeper batsman Tim Seifert hit a spectacular century as the Sharks attempted to chase down an ominous target of 200 runs at The Ageas Bowl, however prior to that the Sharks were on red-hot form.

After beating defending champions Kent at Hove, the Sharks followed up with victories over two undefeated sides in Somerset and Middlesex, so there will be belief that they can do the same against Surrey tomorrow evening.

Speaking on his superb innings on Saturday night, Seifert said: “I never thought the century was in play. When we came out after the rain it was kind of like ‘see what happens’. We were always behind the eight ball, but you never know what’ll happen if you take it deep.

“You’d rather win but for the confidence it is good. Whenever we wanted to start putting the pressure back on them, we kept losing wickets. It was hard to get away and we never managed to build any partnerships.

“They batted really well. They got off to a flier and a few wickets got us back in the game. We pride ourselves on taking wickets, but we probably gave them a little too many runs at the backend.

“There is no panic at all after that. We have been playing some good cricket, but we have a few things to tidy up.”

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