Vitality Blast 2022 – Worcestershire Rapids vs Birmingham Bears, match preview, predicted lineups

Worcestershire Rapids take on Birmingham Bears in both of their fifth match of the tournament so far as the Blast 2022 moves ahead. Both teams will be looking for a win here.

Date & Time : 3rd June 2022, 1:30 PM (Local)

Venue : New Road, Worcester

Worcestershire Rapids have been one of the weakest teams thus far of the tournament having lost all of their games they have played. They have lost four games in a row and are in desperate need of a win to get back in shape.

The Rapids lost their last game against Durham by a margin of 48 runs. Brett D’Oliveira took 3/23 (4). They are place bottom of the North Group.

The Ben Cox led side need consistency from their batters and step upon crucial moments. While bowling wise they need a collective and match winning effort.

On the other hand, the Birmingham Bears are amongst the top teams of the tournament thus far and have won three fixtures out of the four played. They will look to continue the good work.

The Bears lost their previous fixture against Leicestershire Foxes by 5 runs. They are second in the North Group after 4 games with 6 points.

Carlos Brathwaite has been a good leader and his team are consistent whether it be batting or bowling. They need to carry on.

For the pitch, it’s a good one for batting and bowlers will have to work hard.

Team news and possible lineups

There are no fresh injury concerns for both sides at the moment.

Worcestershire Rapids XI : E. Pollock, B. D’Oliveira, Haynes, Munro, Libby, Cox (C&WK), Barnard, Waite, Baker, P. Brown, C. Morris.

Birmingham Bears XI : Bethell, Sterling, Yates, A. Davies (WK), Hose, Benjamin, Brathwaite (C), Brookes, Lintott, Miles, Briggs.

Prediction

In current form Birmingham are favourites for the game.