Surrey have drawn eight out of their last 11 championship games, so, with a weather forecast that suggests rain will trim nearly a day off this contest, Durham's four-day visit to SE11 already looks likely to be a case of honours even; especially as the Riversiders are yet to be involved in a drawn four-dayer this summer. The visitors, who come to the capital with a record of played four, won two, lost two are without Graham Onions, but THE major talking point is the absence of the Surrey skipper, Graeme Smith.

Durham's batsmen are still to hit top form this summer, but, believe it or not, having five players averaging over thirty with the bat is a marked improvement from last season. Phil Mustard (255 championship runs at an average of 36.42) is leading the way, while Mark Stoneman, Will Smith and Scott Borthwick have all hit centuries.

Ben Stokes may be short of runs, but with Onions on England Lions duty, he and Chris Rushworth (17 championship wickets at 24.64 runs apiece) will lead the attack, which, with the Oval offering a bit of turn, will most likely include two spinners in Borthwick and Breese. And I fancy 23-year-old all-rounder Mark Wood will operate as first change.

Chris Tremlett will start this contest with 395 wickets in first-class cricket. For Durham, Ben Stokes looks set to make his 50th f-c appearance.

Gareth Batty takes over as captain, following Graeme Smith's withdrawal with a serious ankle injury. The fit again Stuart Meaker comes back into a squad that also contains Jason Roy, who hit a blistering 117 off 111 balls in today's YB40 clash.

If the rain does arrive on days one and two, this will be a draw. If it doesn't, hmmm... these are two really evenly-matched sides. Surrey have the better attack, but could be hindered by a flimsy tail. Even though Durham are without Graham Onions, they stand a better chance of turning around a top-order collapse; which is why I have my doubts about Surrey's chances.

M Stoneman, W Smith, G Muchall, D Benkenstein, B Stokes, P Collingwood (capt), P Mustard (wk), G Breese, S Borthwick, M Wood and C Rushworth.

Peter Hartley and Neil Mallender.

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