Sharks vs Essex & Glamorgan

After a short break it's back-to-back matches for the Sharks, starting this coming Friday with Essex making the journey down to Sussex before an immediate trip to Wales follows to face Glamorgan as we look to continue our fine start to the Blast campaign.

It was another blistering performance for Paul Farbrace's Sharks last time out, chiefly with the ball in hand, as a Nathan McAndrew fifer proved the catalyst in helping skittle Glamorgan all out for just 117 - the second time Tymal Mills' bowling attack has taken maximum wickets in this fresh Vitality Blast season.

And they'll look to make it four wins from five on Friday evening as an Essex side, unusually struggling for form, head down to Hove.

The Opposition | Essex (H) - Friday, 13th

Essex's opening match of the Blast campaign has somewhat set the tone thus far after suffering a heavy 106-run defeat to Hampshire. They'd lose to Somerset shortly after, before Glamorgan and Middlesex both inflicted defeats in relatively routine style to condemn Essex to a winless start from their opening four matches.

Mohammad Amir returns for his second spell at the Chelmsford-based club as the frontline bowler, accompanied by the ever-present and ever-reliable Simon Harmer, with Sam Cook and Shane Snater completing the seam attack. Michael Pepper has scored 118 runs from the opening four matches, and is his side's leading run scorer in the competition this season.

Essex make the long jaunt to Glamorgan this evening as they look to gain some momentum ahead of their immediate journey to Sussex a day later. 

The Opposition | Glamorgan (A) - Saturday, 14th

And just a day later for the Sharks, it's a trip to the aforementioned Welsh club, too, for Farbrace's Sharks as Glamorgan similarly look to get their campaign back on course at Sophia Gardens.

This fixtures comes just six days after Sussex romped to a rampant victory over them, comfortably cruising to a 78-run win that featured a fine bowling display alongside excellent knocks from Harrison Ward, James Coles and Tom Alsop.

Right-handed bat Kiran Carlson is off to another promising start, already racking up 152 runs from his four innings out in the middle. With the ball, Glamorgan have found most success through Dan Douthwaite, who has eight scalps thus far.

And as our next two opponents face off against each other tonight, it provides valuable viewing with both teams out of form and in search of points.

Team News

Farbrace has named a 14-player squad for the next two Vitality Blast fixtures.

Squad: Alsop, Carson, Clark, Coles, Crocombe, Currie, Hughes, Lamb, McAndrew, Mills, Robinson, Simpson* (wk), Thomas, Ward

In case you missed it, Fynn Hudson-Prentice has joined Derbyshire for the next few Vitality Blast matches.

Start Time

Against Essex, the match will get underway at 7pm on Friday, with gates opening at 5.30pm. On Saturday, it'll be a 6.30pm start time at Sophia Gardens.

How to Watch

You will be able to watch every ball, free of charge, of the Essex clash via our Match Day Centre. You will need to register for a free account to access the stream, statistics, replays and live scorecard. You can find information on how to register here.

Our trip to Glamorgan a day later will be shown live on Sky Sports Cricket, and so will not be available to watch on our Match Centre.

Ticket Information

There is still time to get your tickets for tomorrow's action and we have a range of products for you to choose from. From our new exclusive Silly Point Pub, to Curry and Cricket packages, there is something for everyone! Head to our Blast is Back homepage to explore your options and get your tickets.

For our trip to Wales on Saturday, you can purchase tickets on Glamorgan's website via this link.