KENT V SURREY at Beckenham (LVCC)
12-15 MAY 2022

A case of top versus bottom. Kent are propping up Division One after heavy defeats at the hands of Lancashire and Hampshire, plus a draw at Leeds, where they were saved by the light (which put paid to proceedings with Yorkshire needing 114 in 21 overs). Surrey, who have played one game more, remain top, but only by 8 points following second-placed Hampshire's 87-run victory over Gloucestershire last weekend.

With the Spitfires' bowling attack struggling for wickets, it's vital Kent put runs on the board. Ben Compton, who is averaging 93.33 with the bat in this season's championship, has really grabbed the headlines following his move down from Notts.

Jordan Cox (48.00) and Daniel Bell-Drummond (40.28) have also dipped their bread; as have George Linde, Hamidullah Qadri and Grant Stewart on the rare occasions they've taken guard.

If there is a batting concern in the absence of Sam Billings (IPL) and Joe Denly (who picked up a hamstring injury in the opening round) it has to be Zak Crawley's lack of production - the 24-year-old has only managed 104 runs in 6 Champo innings so far.

If the bowling has been a worry, now it's an even bigger one given that Grant Stewart will miss this game with a tight hamstring. Only Nathan Gilchrist (12 wickets at 37.41 runs apiece) is averaging less than Matt Quinn's 47.75.

Surrey v Kent - First-Class Records Sheet

Hashim Amla (18,934) and Sam Curran (2,982) are approaching 19,000 and 3,000 first-class runs respectively. Jamie Overton will start with 198 f-c career wickets - that's if he plays for the first time away from home this season. Turning to the hosts, Zak Crawley (3,869) has his sights set on 4,000 first-class career runs, while Ollie Robinson (1,917) is eyeing 2,000.

Ollie Pope returns from the illness that put him out of the last game, however, Jamie Smith is still recovering from a hamstring. Still, even with Sam Curran down to play as a batter only, there's plenty of seam bowling options. 

Despite the fact that Kent have won 5 of the last 8 first-class meetings with Surrey, I cannot see them prospering on this occasion, simply because their attack has conceded 500-plus in all four first innings thus far. But as Beckenham has a reputation for being a high-scoring venue, it wouldn't be a surprise if this clash ends up a draw.

B.Compton, Z.Crawley, J.Denly, D.Bell-Drummond, J.Leaning (capt), J.Cox, O.Robinson (wk), G.Linde, D.Stevens, N.Gilchrist and M.Quinn.

Neil Bainton and Ben Debenham.

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