England Domestic OneDay Cup 2025: Match Preview – Middlesex vs Somerset

Date: 06 August 2025
Time: 11:00 GMT
Venue: Radlett Cricket Club, Radlett
Competition: Group B, Metro Bank OneDay Cup 2025

Match Overview

The England Domestic OneDay Cup 2025 kicks off with a series of high-stakes matches, and one of the opening fixtures of the tournament sees Middlesex take on Somerset at the Radlett Cricket Club. This Group B clash is highly anticipated, as both teams look to make a strong start in the competition and lay the foundation for a deep tournament run.

Middlesex – The Home Advantage

Middlesex, captained by the experienced Mark Wood, will be keen to leverage the advantage of playing at home in the early stages of the tournament. The Radlett Cricket Club has been a consistent venue for limited-overs cricket in recent seasons, and Middlesex have shown a good ability to adapt to such conditions.

Key Strengths:

• Batting Depth: The side has several capable batsmen, with Tom Helm and Nick Gubbins forming a reliable middle order. Helm’s ability to rotate the strike and Gubbins’ composure under pressure make them key assets.
• Bowling Attack: Middlesex's pace attack, led by Mark Wood, is one of the most feared in the competition. With Ollie Rayner and Zafar Ansari providing support, the team has the firepower to dismantle even the most stable batting line-ups.

Recent Form:
Middlesex have been in decent form in the 50-over format in the last 12 months, with a win percentage of 60% in their last 20 matches. Their last encounter against Somerset in the 2024 competition ended in a thrilling 5-run win for the home side, which could give them added confidence.

Somerset – The Power-Packed Visitors

Somerset, led by the dynamic Chris Rushworth, are another team that has consistently performed in domestic limited-overs cricket. While they will be without the home advantage, their recent performances suggest they are more than capable of challenging even the best sides.

Key Strengths:

• Aggressive Batting: With Tom Banton and James Hildreth at the top, Somerset have a potent opening pair. Banton’s ability to score quickly and Hildreth’s composed innings often set the tone for the innings.
• All-Round Bowling: The side boasts a balanced bowling attack with spinners like Lewis Gregory and George Garton, and seamers like Rushworth and Jack Leach. Their ability to adapt to different match situations makes them a tough nut to crack.

Recent Form:
Somerset have had mixed results in the last few months, with a win rate of 55% in their last 20 matches. Their last meeting with Middlesex at Taunton in 2024 saw them win by 8 wickets, showing that they are more than capable of causing an upset.

Weather & Pitch Conditions

The match is scheduled to start at 11:00 GMT, and early morning conditions are typically dry and overcast in Radlett at this time of the year. The pitch at Radlett tends to favor the bowlers in the first 15-20 overs, with some turn developing as the match progresses. Teams batting second often find it easier to chase, but a well-paced innings at the top can give the home side the upper hand.

Head-to-Head

In the last 10 meetings between Middlesex and Somerset in the Metro Bank OneDay Cup, the sides have shared the spoils. Middlesex have won 5, Somerset 5, and the last meeting in 2024 saw Middlesex edge it by 5 runs. This closely contested history adds an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming match.

Predicted Lineups

Middlesex (likely):

1. Nick Gubbins
2. Tom Helm
3. Ollie Rayner
4. Mark Wood (c)
5. Sam Robson
6. Zafar Ansari
7. James Franklin
8. Ben Foakes (wk)
9. Amar Vettori
10. Will Salzmann
11. Tim Murtagh

Somerset (likely):

1. Tom Banton
2. James Hildreth
3. Lewis Gregory
4. Chris Rushworth (c)
5. George Garton
6. Jack Leach
7. Jamie Overton
8. James Coles (wk)
9. Craig Overton
10. Sam Conners
11. Tom Lammonby

Match Prediction & Key Battle

This match promises to be an exciting encounter with both teams having the firepower to win. The toss could prove crucial, given the nature of the pitch and the weather conditions.

Key Battle:

• Mark Wood vs Tom Banton: Wood’s ability to trouble the top order will be key to Middlesex’s chances. Banton, on the other hand, will look to counter with his aggressive stroke play.

Prediction:
While Somerset have the firepower to chase down any total, the home advantage and the early morning conditions could slightly favor Middlesex. A close match is expected, but the hosts might just edge it.

Predicted Result:
Middlesex by 7-8 runs.

Stay tuned for more updates, live scores, and in-depth analysis of the England Domestic OneDay Cup 2025.