GLOUCESTERSHIRE V SURREY at Bristol (Royal London One-Day Cup), 17 MAY 2017

A cynic would suggest that provided it rains all day tomorrow, in both Bristol and Southampton, Gareth Batty's men will be more than happy with their lot, since they're the ones occupying third place in the South heading into the final round of group games.

Gloucestershire, a bit like Surrey, have struggled to build up any momentum in this year's Royal London One-Day Cup, losing three out of their first four before finally getting it together. Once again, Michael Klinger has led the way with the bat, hitting 369 runs at an average of 52.71, but that's not to skirt over the contributions made by Ian Cockbain (59.00) and the hard-hitting Jack Taylor (43.14).

With the exception of Chris Liddle (18 Royal London wickets at 15.11 runs apiece) and Benny Howell (13 at 27.07), the Bristolians' bowling has been something of a let down. Liam Norwell and spinner Tom Smith have bowled tidily, but offered little in the way of cutting edge, while the Taylors and van Buuren have proved ineffective.

Rory Burns averages 67.00 with the willow against Gloucestershire, having made a half-century every time he has played them in one-day cricket; a feat matched by Kumar Sangakkara, who has hit two in two against the west countrymen.

Surrey v Gloucestershire - List A Records Sheet

Gloucestershire's Chris Liddle currently has 95 List A career wickets.

No surprises in the Ovalities' 13-man squad, although Jade Dernbach misses out again, due to his on-going back issue.

The weather forecast for most of the country for tomorrow is pretty sorry-looking, so much so they reckon we'll be lucky to get a game. But, each of the last six List A meetings between these two sides have been won by the team batting first, even though, in four of the last five, the toss winning captain has opted to insert the opposition. Gloucestershire are not to be under-estimated, but I just sense that Surrey are growing in confidence. Prediction - if this fixture does produce a result, it'll be a Surrey win.

P.Mustard (wk), M.Klinger (capt), G.Hankins, I.Cockbain, J.Taylor, B.Howell, G.van Buuren, T.Smith, L.Norwell, C.Liddle and M.Taylor.

Jeff Evans and Billy Taylor.

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