Third plays host to seventh in Division Two of the County Championship, however there's already a feeling that Worcestershire and, most definitely, Hampshire will take some catching in terms of the race for promotion. Worcestershire, in second, have a 33-point advantage over Essex, who lie one spot below them having played the same number of matches.

Essex, who won their opening game, have spluttered of late due to a growing injury list; while, for Surrey, all of the vibe generated by the win over Gloucestershire two weeks ago evaporated when it was announced Graeme Smith has almost certainly played his last game of the season.

Smith, whose 103 in the second innings was so instrumental in securing victory over the Bristolians, will not only be missed for his batting. Hashim Amla is more than capable of making the runs 'Biff' would have got, but Gary Wilson has big shoes to fill in terms of galvanising a team in transition.

Tomorrow's hosts will be without seamers Saj Mahmood, Tymal Mills, David Masters, Graham Napier and Reece Topley while the on-loan Oliver Newby has returned to Lancashire, after pulling a hamstring. Matt Salisbury and Tanweer Sikhander, as a new ball pairing, is a far cry from Masters and Mills; while Greg Smith, the likely first change, is averaging 40.66 runs per wicket to Napier's 21.23. Perhaps Essex's best chance is to prepare a turning wicket for Monty Panesar and Tom Craddock.

It's a similar story when it comes to the batting, which is weakeneed by the absence of Bopara, Cook and ten Doeschate. Other than James Foster, who averages 51.00 in the championship, and Ben Foakes who made a hundred against Gloucestershire, no one on show against Surrey tomorrow is yet to hit their straps this season.

Essex skipper and wicketkeeper, James Foster (641 catches and 54 stumpings) is approaching a total of 700 first-class dismissals.

With Graeme Smith withdrawing due to a fractured knee, Gary Wilson has been appointed stand-in captain and Hashim Amla has been drafted as temporary overseas player. The absence of Dominic Sibley sees Arun Harinath return to first team action. Gareth Batty, who has recovered from a broken finger, also looks set to start. With Matt Dunn and Chris Tremlett amongst the wickets against Gloucestershire, the man to miss out could even be Stuart Meaker.

Haven't you seen the forecast for Monday?! In short, this looks as if it will be the equivalent of a three-day contest, so it's important to seize the initiative from ball one. Surrey, for all their woes, are the stronger team on paper, but I have my doubts whether they'll be given long enough to polish off Essex. Prediction - a rain-affected draw.

T Westley, J Mickleburgh, G Smith, J Ryder, M Pettini, B Foakes, J Foster (capt, wk), M Salisbury, M Panesar, T Craddock and T Sikander.

Mark Benson and Martin Saggers.

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