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Positive results have arisen from the each of last five meetings between these two sides – four of which have gone to the Oval outfit. Add to this the fact that each line-up is lacking a little bit of quality and it would seem that only the rain being forecast for Friday is likely to scupper the chance of Kent or Surrey all but securing their Division One status with a much needed victory. The news that Surrey leg-spinner Ian Salisbury underwent knee surgery today was followed shortly afterwards by the announcement that Kent have included twirlers Rob Ferley and James Tredwell in their squad. Could this give a clue as to how the pitch at Canterbury will play, one wonders? If it does, the visitors proved for two days at Northampton that they have nothing to fear from a turning wicket and, who knows, Mark Ramprakash might just be a weapon for the Ovalites in both departments of the game. For all their problems this summer, Surrey will also be pleased to see that their opponents have won just one of their last eleven matches in all competitions stretching back to mid-July when, of all people, they lost to Sri Lanka A. Since then Kent's top order batting – led by Matthew Walker (909 runs at an average of 57 in the championship) – has been fairly solid over four days. However, overseas player Michael Bevan has only scored eight runs in his last three innings. For a man of his talents that sort of run has got to come to an end soon; and there cannot be many better on the county circuit in terms of dominating if the pitch does turn appreciably. With Saggers, Sheriyar and Khan all out injured, the new-ball duties have fallen to overseas locum Ian Butler and Robbie Joseph, both of whom have struggled to hit a consistent line and length. Spinners Min Patel (30 wickets at 27.50 runs apiece) and Alex Loudon have been far more of a threat, which increases the likelihood that a turning pitch will very likely greet Surrey. Mark Ramprakash needs two more runs for 1,500 f-c runs for the season and 88 more to reach 5,000 f-c runs for Surrey. Alistair Brown is 55 runs away from 1,000 championship runs against Kent. Jon Batty is one away from the 10th first-class hundred of his career. Rikki Clarke needs 3 more victims for 50 f-c wickets in his career. Finally, Jimmy Ormond needs one more 5 wicket haul for twenty overall.
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