SURREY V DERBYSHIRE at Whitgift School (LVCC2), 6-9 AUGUST 2009

Before the season began, most of the pundits were saying that both of these sides could expect to still be in Division Two in 2010. But with Derbyshire turning over Surrey early on and recording a 185-run victory over Gloucestershire at Cheltenham a few weeks ago, some are starting to toy with the prospect of Derbyshire returning to the top flight after languishing in Division Two for eight seasons; during which time their best finish has been fifth spot.

Derbyshire's only defeat in the championship this season has been against table toppers Kent. While there is no real disgrace in that, it was a game which had a draw written all over it for most of the match; until, that was, Rob Key and Geraint Jones both made hundreds on day four. As it's so fresh in the mind, it will be interesting to see how Derbyshire react to it over the next four days at Whitgift; which has not been a lucky ground for Surrey in recent years.

Derbyshire have a settled batting line-up, five of whom have already made over 500 championship runs so far this summer - Wavell Hinds (623 at an average of 41.53), Gary Park (571), Chris Rogers (568), Greg Smith (550) and Dan Redfern (501). But sitting on top of their averages is 25-year-old opener Wayne Madsen, who is averaging 62.60.

The seam attack comprises Graham Wagg (36 wickets at 27.69 runs apiece), Ian Hunter and Tim Groenwald, with the addition of late of on loan Steffan Jones. But, unfortunately, both young spinners - Mark Lawson and Jake Needham - have continued to progress more slowly than the Derbyshire fans would like.   


Surrey's Chris Jordan goes into this contest with 43 first-class wickets in the bank. Of the Derbyshire boys, Graham Wagg has 195 wickets, while, for Greg Smith, this will be his 50th first-class appearance - assuming he plays.


Amazingly, Andre Nel's name is on the teamsheet for this game. The South African is due to have his injured left elbow operated on next week, which means he could play in this match, in the same way he did against Leicestershire, if he doesn't mind running the risk of aggravating the injury. Pedro Collins and Stuart Meaker have been placed on standby, though, and the batting may be freshened up with the recall of Matthew Spriegel.

OPPONENT DATE RESULT VENUE SURREY OPPONENT
Leicestershire 31 Jul - 3 Aug 2009 Match Drawn Brit Oval 608-4d 593-5d & 23-0
Essex 15-18 Jul 2009 Match Drawn Guildford 352-8d 401 & 201-3
Kent 10-13 Jul 2009 Match Drawn Brit Oval 386 & 170-3 620-7d
Middlesex 30 Jun - 3 Jul 2009 Match Drawn Lord's 392 & 99-5 385 & 246-5d
Leicestershire 16-19 Jun 2009 Match Drawn Leicester 329 165 & 487-5d


This is very difficult. Both sides appear to be evenly matched. Does that mean, therefore, that Surrey will gain revenge for the defeat they suffered at Derby at the beginning of the season? If the weather holds, I reckon the Brown Caps might just do it and give Stewart Walters his first championship victory as Surrey captain.


C Rogers (capt), W Madsen, G Park, D Redfern, W Hinds, G Smith, F Klokker (wk), G Wagg, T Groenwald, I Hunter and S Jones.


Martin Bodenham and Tim Robinson. See also The Dreaded Finger

DATE RESULT VENUE TOSS DECISION SURREY DERBYSHIRE
22-25 Apr 2009 Lost By 5 Wickets Derby Surrey Bat 131 & 360 274 & 220-5
20-23 Sep 2006 Won By 5 Wickets Derby Derbyshire Bat 275-8d & 273-5 385 & 162-8d
19-22 Apr 2006 Match Drawn The Oval Derbyshire Bat 308 & 476-8d 492
16-17 Aug 2000 Won By An Inns & 45 Runs The Oval Derbyshire Bat 260 118 & 97
7-9 Jun 2000 Lost By 7 Wickets Derby Surrey Bat 138 & 218 191 & 167-3
24-27 Aug 1999 Won By 9 Wickets Derby Derbyshire Field 350-9d & 1-1 154 & 196
6-8 Aug 1998 Won By 226 Runs The Oval Surrey Bat 333 & 238-9d 139 & 206
7-10 May 1997 Match Drawn Derby Surrey Bat 267 158-3
30 May - 3 Jun 1996 Match Drawn The Oval Derbyshire Field 477 & 345-3d 469 & 246-9
24-26 Aug 1995 Won By 7 Wickets Derby Derbyshire Field 350 & 167-3 181 & 333
12-16 May 1994 Won By An Inns & 138 Runs The Oval Surrey Field 570-6d 208 & 224
19-21 Aug 1993 Lost By 6 Wickets Ilkeston Derbyshire Field 205 & 332 438-9d & 100-4
2-4 Jun 1992 Match Drawn The Oval Derbyshire Bat 253-9d & 69-3 249 & 244-1d
21-24 Jun 1991 Lost By 3 Wickets Derby Derbyshire Field 137 & 184-4d 80-3d & 242-7
6-8 Jun 1990 Match Drawn The Oval Surrey Field 152-2d & 161-0 275 & 144-0

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