Gloucestershire CCC | One Day Cup Match Preview - 14/08/2024

It’s do or die at Bristol, as Leicestershire head to Gloucestershire knowing a win will see them into the knockout stages of the Metro Bank One Day Cup for the third time in as many seasons.

The Foxes could finish anywhere from first to fifth, with a home semi-final, home quarter-final, or an away quarter-final all in the offing should Lewis Hill’s side take victory on Wednesday.

Leicestershire will be buoyed by a battling nine-run triumph over Glamorgan last time out, while Gloucestershire cantered to a seven-wicket win at Notts.

Last Time We Met:

A ruthless bowling display and a composed partnership between overseas duo Peter Handscomb and Wiaan Mulder booked Leicestershire’s place in last summer’s One Day Cup final.

The Foxes took wickets at regular intervals, dismissing Gloucestershire for just 125 at Uptonsteel County Ground. Tom Scriven (3/19) and Mulder (3/38) leading the way with ball in hand.

At 13/3 and 33/4, Leicestershire were in grave danger before Handscomb (49*) and Mulder (55*) added an imperious 93-run stand to guide the side to a spot in the final.

Decisive Duel:

Louis Kimber had a memorable visit to Seat Unique Stadium during the 2022 campaign, taking 4/61 and scoring a decisive 68. His return to the Foxes’ side is a huge boost to a team already containing the firepower of Sol Budinger, Lewis Hill, Peter Handscomb, and Ajinkya Rahane.

The 27-year-old averages 38.14 in 50-over cricket, striking at 104.7, and is a versatile operator. In 2022, he batted at 3, while he’s more likely to be deployed at six this time around to offer middle order aggression against an ageing ball. He also offers handy off spin, taking his List A wickets at 24.

Similarly, Jack Taylor is a middle order threat who knows how to clear the ropes. He’s scored 2,309 runs at 42.75 in the format, striking at 114.19.

If his side loses early wickets, Taylor can still blow teams out of the water with his attacking approach. And like Kimber, the all-rounder’s spin is more than handy, registering 41 wickets at 32.5 with his leggies.

Squad:

Leicestershire name an unchanged 15-man squad from Sunday’s victory over Glamorgan.

Leicestershire Foxes: Budinger, Cox+, Evans, Green, Handscomb, Hill*, Holland, Kimber, Rahane, Scriven, Swindells, Trevaskis, Walker, Wood, Wright.