LANCASHIRE V SURREY at Old Trafford (LVCC)
6-9 APRIL 2023

All the pundits seem to be saying the race for this year's title is between Surrey and Lancashire, which makes this curtain-raiser a mouthwatering prospect. In their only four-day clash last summer, Surrey were handed the County Championship trophy, but - by registering an innings victory - it was Lancashire who signalled that Oval outfit cannot rest on their laurels in 2023.

Lancashire boast a consistent top order with skipper Keaton Jennings (1,233 championship runs at an average of 72.52 last term) the stand-out performer; ably supported by Luke Wells (991 runs at 52.15), Steven Croft (837 at 44.05) and up-and-coming star Josh Bohannon (805 at 40.25).

However, it's with the ball that the Red Rose look incredibly blessed, especially if Saqib Mahmood can put a season spent largely on the sidelines with a back injury behind him.

In last summer's County Championship, James Anderson, Tom Bailey, Tom Hartley, Mahmood and Will Williams all averaged under 23. While Luke Wood struggled for form in 2022 he looks a class act with his left-arm wobblers, plus Matt Parkinson remains one of the best spinners in the country.

Sean Abbott could be a key figure for Surrey. Fresh from a winter that saw him bag 64 wickets in all formats for Australia, Sydney Sixers and New South Wales, the tall 31-year-old has been signed with a view to supplying the cutting edge Jamie Overton (out with a back injury until mid-season at the earliest) brought to the Oval outfit's party in 2022.

Surrey v Lancashire - First-Class Records Sheet

Cameron Steel looks set to make his 50th f-c appearance, likewise, of the Lancashire contingent, Will Williams. Josh Bohannon (2,927) is approaching the 3,000 first-class run mark, while Colin de Grandhomme (6,907) needs 93 more for 7,000.

With Sam Curran and Jason Roy abroad due to their IPL commitments, plus Will Jacks (thigh), Jamie Overton (back) and Reece Topley (shoulder) on the wounded list, Surrey's 15-man squad includes the likes of Gus Atkinson, Ben Geddes, Tom Lawes, Dan Moriarty and Cameron Steel.

The South Londoners have not won a championship game at Old Trafford since 2004, and have only tasted victory there is one out of their last 11 in Manchester (6 being lost and 4 ending in stalemate). The weather forecast suggests there will be some rain around, but not enough to make this a nailed-on draw, so given Surrey's recent four-day record away from home (just 3 wins out of their last 23 on the road) my head says Lancashire.

L.Wells, K.Jennings (capt), J.Bohannon, S.Croft, D.Vilas, C.De Grandhomme, G.Bell (wk), L.Wood, T.Bailey, W.Williams and M.Parkinson.

Neil Mallender and David Millns.

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