GLOUCESTERSHIRE V SURREY at Bristol (LVCC2), 21-24 AUGUST 2015

All four of this summer's championship contests at Bristol have resulted in a positive outcome. Sadly, for Gloucestershire, each one has ended in defeat for the west countrymen. But that sequence could be set to end, if the weather forecasters prove to be spot on.

The hosts appear to have no worries in terms of their bowling, not so the batting. Hamish Marshall solely plays championship cricket these days. The move appears to be serving the 36-year-old Kiwi well. So far, this season, he has hit 525 runs at an average of 43.75. That's probably just as well because the absence of Michael Klinger, who, like Surrey's Zafar Ansari, has a hamstring, leaves a massive hole for the hosts, who will be captained by opener Will Tavare. The 25-year-old opener has shown good progress, but is only averaging 30.55 this term. His fellow opener Chris Dent is faring slightly better, but, arguably, the most eye-catching of Gloucestershire's batsmen this season has been 23-year-old Jack Taylor, who has converted both of his half centuries this summer into three-figure scores.

And so, much depends on Gloucestershire's attack if the Bristolians are to be competitive. Liam Norwell has led the way with 52 championship wickets at 24.67 runs apiece this season, with Craig Miles (46 at 25.10) hot on his heels. With David Payne averaging 21.31, Benny Howell 27.53, Kieran Noema-Barnett 31.42 and James Fuller 31.52 there's no shortage of seam options available.

Gloucestershire's Will Tavare will start 20 runs shy of 2,000 first-class career notches, while Tom Smith (974) is approaching the 1,000-mark. If he plays, Kieran Noema-Barnett will be making his 50th f-c appearance.

Zafar Ansari is ruled out with a hamstring strain, so Arun Harinath will move up to open. But, with Kumar Sangakkara playing in his final Test, it will be interesting to see who bats at three.

Anyone travelling to Bristol this weekend needs to go armed with an umbrella. Surrey, who just need to avoid defeat to remain on course for promotion, have been involved in three draws in their last five championship visits to Bristol. This one, thanks to the weather, looks likely to make it four out of six.

W Tavare (capt), C Dent, G Roderick (wk), B Howell, H Marshall, J Taylor, J Fuller, D Payne, C Miles, T Smith and L Norwell.

Russell Evans and Graham Lloyd.

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