Middlesex vs Essex One-Day Cup Predictions - Middlesex to turn the tables on Essex
Middlesex take on Essex in the opening round of the 2026 England One Day Cup at Radlett Cricket Club on July 21. Middlesex aim to improve on last year’s quarter-final appearance, while Essex look to build after narrowly missing out. Essex have the stronger recent record, but Middlesex are tipped for victory. Key players to watch include Sam Robson and Toby Roland-Jones for Middlesex, and Tom Westley and Simon Harmer for Essex. Weather and pitch conditions should favor a high-quality, uninterrupted contest.
- Middlesex won three of their last four matches in the T20 Blast.
- Essex lost to Middlesex at the start of July in the T20 Blast.
- The pitch should offer good run-scoring opportunities for both sides.
Toby Roland-Jones has figures of 5/44, 4/41 & 1/21 in 5 matches (Getty Images).
Middlesex vs Essex Predictions
Middlesex face Essex in the opening round of the 2026 England One Day Cup at Radlett Cricket Club on July 21. Middlesex reached last year’s quarter-finals, while Essex narrowly missed out. Essex lead the head-to-head 5-2 and won their last two 50-over meetings.
- Middlesex’s Sam Robson has scored 31, 52, 70 & 23 in his last 6 knocks.
- Middlesex’s Ben Geddes has scores of 27, 44* & 32 in his last 5 innings.
- Middlesex’s Toby Roland-Jones has figures of 5/44, 4/41 & 1/21 in 5 matches.
- Essex’s Tom Westley has scored 41, 22, 44 & 19 in his last 4 innings.
- Essex’s Charlie Allison scored 44 off 33 balls in his last knock against Hampshire.
- Essex’s Simon Harmer has taken 14 in his last 8 innings matches.
Head-to-Head
Middlesex have won one and lost four of their last five One-Day Cup against Essex.
Middlesex Form
Middlesex enjoyed a strong 2025 campaign, finishing third in the group stage before losing to eventual finalists Hampshire in the quarter-finals. They will be aiming to go one step further this season.
Sam Robson was their standout batter last year, scoring 502 runs in nine innings at an average of 62.75. Ben Geddes, Josh de Caires and Joe Cracknell will also be expected to play important roles after showing their quality last season.
The main concern is the bowling attack. Henry Brookes, their leading wicket-taker last term, has moved on, leaving Toby Roland-Jones, Tom Helm and Ethan Bosch to carry much of the responsibility. Luke Hollman, who took 11 wickets in the 2026 T20 Blast, will also be one to watch, while youngsters Noah Cornwell and Naavya Sharma could get opportunities.
Essex Form
Essex also produced a solid 2025 campaign, finishing fourth in Group A with five wins and three defeats. They narrowly missed the quarter-finals, ending on 20 points while Gloucestershire qualified with 24.
Captain Tom Westley will again be central to their batting after scoring 561 runs at an average of 70.13 last season. Charlie Allison, who made 418 runs, Luc Benkenstein, who added 303, and Matthew Critchley will also be key to building strong totals.
With the ball, Charlie Bennet and Critchley both took 12 wickets last season. Essex will also look to experienced options such as Paul Walter and James Porter, while Shane Snater arrives in good form after taking 17 wickets in the T20 Blast. Simon Harmer should also play an important role.
Team news
The pitch at the Radlett Cricket Club in Radlett has a first innings average score of 220. Radlett should be warm and mostly dry on Tuesday, July 21, with temperatures reaching around 24°C and lows near 13-15°C. Sunny skies, light cloud and a gentle breeze are expected, with only a 5-10% chance of rain, so major interruptions look unlikely.
Middlesex (possible XI): Sam Robson (c), Ben Geddes, Josh de Caires, Joe Cracknell, Jack Davies, Leus du Plooy, Ryan Higgins, Luke Hollman, Toby Roland-Jones, Tom Helm, Zafar Gohar.
Essex (possible XI): Dean Elgar, Tom Westley (c), Charlie Allison, Robin Das, Simon Fernandes, Wiaan Mulder, Paul Walter, Simon Harmer, Luc Benkenstein, Matthew Critchley, Shane Snater.
Verdict
Middlesex are tipped to win, with Sam Robson, Toby Roland-Jones, Tom Westley and Simon Harmer backed to star with bat and ball.
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