Essex vs Hampshire Prediction & Match Preview – T20 Blast 91st Match

T20 Blast

Essex and Hampshire meet in the 91st match of the T20 Blast 2026 on Friday 10 July, with a 7:00 pm local start. The source material gives conflicting venues for this game, so we have left out the ground, pitch and weather notes rather than guess.

Essex’s possible XI is captained by Simon Harmer and features Michael Pepper, Paul Walter, wicketkeeper Jordan Cox, Charlie Allison, Luc Benkenstein and Matthew Critchley in the top and middle order. Shane Snater, Zaman Akhter, Mackenzie Jones and Sam Cook provide the bowling support.

Hampshire are expected to be led by James Vince, with Toby Albert keeping wicket and Joe Weatherley, Ben Mayes, Tristan Stubbs and Hilton Cartwright alongside him. James Fuller, Scott Currie, Andrew Neal, Eddie Jack and Chris Wood make up the bowling attack.

Our preview expects a close match and gives Hampshire a slight edge based on the depth of their line-up, though Essex are well capable of winning, particularly if they win the toss.

Probable playing XI

Essex

Michael Pepper
Paul Walter
Jordan Cox (wk)
Charlie Allison
Luc Benkenstein
Matthew Critchley
Simon Harmer (c)
Shane Snater
Zaman Akhter
Mackenzie Jones
Sam Cook

Hampshire

Toby Albert (wk)
James Vince (c)
Joe Weatherley
Ben Mayes
Tristan Stubbs
Hilton Cartwright
James Fuller
Scott Currie
Andrew Neal
Eddie Jack
Chris Wood

Frequently asked questions

When is Essex vs Hampshire?

It is the 91st match of the T20 Blast 2026, on Friday 10 July, with a 7:00 pm local start.

Who captains the teams?

Simon Harmer is listed as captain of Essex and James Vince as captain of Hampshire.

Who is our pick to win?

Our preview picks Hampshire, with Essex expected to win the toss.

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