GLOUCESTERSHIRE GLADIATORS V SURREY LIONS at Bristol (NL1), 25 MAY 2003

Despite the visitors' excellent record against Gloucestershire and the fact that the Gladiators have won just one out of three so far in the National Cricket League, tomorrow's contest - along with Wednesday's - will determine how great a season Surrey are likely enjoy in 2003.

The west country outfit are no pushovers in one-day cricket.  They have some exciting batsmen to follow the strong top-order trio of Phil Weston, Craig Spearman and Tim Hancock; - all of whom made runs in the win over the Leicestershire Foxes.  A middle order of Jonty Rhodes, the dependable Matt Windows, plus Alleyne and Russell should stand them in good stead against a Lions attack that will look weakened if Bicknell is also sidelined.

With the ball the Gladiators rely on James Averis and Mike Smith to keeping things quiet.  Jon Lewis is a very underrated bowler, and one likely to be amongst the wickets should there be any on offer.  The arrival of Kiwi fast bowler Ian Butler led to Martyn Ball being ousted, which is unheard of, when Gloucestershire travelled to Cardiff last Sunday, but the nature of their defeat at the hands of the Dragons may result in a re-think for tomorrow's game.

Surrey have rode their luck once or twice this season in limited-overs cricket and if, as one suspects, tomorrow's contest is a nail-biter, by the the law of averages it must be the Lions' turn to slip up.

Alex Tudor is out for at least two more weeks while he recovers from a minor knee operation, Ian Ward misses the game with a damaged groin and it remains to be seen whether Martin Bicknell will be fit after taking a blow on the right hand fielding at fourth slip at Chelmsford today.  In theory Mark Butcher and Alec Stewart are available with the Lord's Test finishing inside three days, but neither have played one-day cricket for Surrey this summer.

P Weston, C Spearman, T Hancock, J Rhodes, M Windows, M Alleyne (capt), J Russell (wk), J Lewis, J Averis, I Butler and M Smith.

22 Sep 2002	NL	Won By 79 Runs	The Oval
19 May 2002	NL	Lost By 1 Wicket	Bristol
16 Sep 2001	NL	Won By 36 Runs	Bristol
12 Aug 2001	NL	Won By 2 Wickets	The Oval
14 Jul 2001	B&H	Won By 47 Runs	Lord's
27 Jun 1999	B&H	Lost By 7 Wickets	Bristol
26 Jul 1998	NL	Lost By 22 Runs	Cheltenham
8 Jul 1998	NWT	Won By 52 Runs	Bristol
30 Apr 1998	B&H	Won By 7 Wickets	The Oval
18 May 1997	NL	Won By 5 Wickets	The Oval
30 Apr 1997	B&H	Won By 3 Wickets	Bristol
26 May 1996	NL	Won By 72 Runs	Gloucester
30 Apr 1996	B&H	Won By 3 Wickets	The Oval
16 Jul 1995	NL	Won By 19 Runs	The Oval
29 May 1994	NL	Won By 10 Runs	Gloucester
18 Jul 1993	NL	Won (Scoring Rate)	Guildford
28 Jun 1992	NL	Won By 17 Runs	Bristol
5 May 1992	B&H	Won By 2 Wickets	The Oval
12 May 1991	NL	Lost By 25 Runs	The Oval
29 Jul 1990	NL	Lost By 5 Wickets	Cheltenham

GO TO:



BACK TO: