SURREY V ESSEX at the Kia Oval (LVCC2), 26-29 APRIL 2015

Essex, who have won six championship games out of six (last season and this), wasted no time putting a marker down with a five-wicket victory over Kent to go third in the Division Two table. However, the visitors are not only without Alastair Cook, but also Ravi Bopara and Ryan ten Doeschate, both of whom are involved in the IPL, plus Tom Westley, who has broken a thumb. That will no doubt please Surrey, whose winless run in the championship stretches back to July last year.

Not surprisingly, Essex's batting has a improvised look about it. First up, Nick Browne, who averaged 54.16 last summer and opened his 2015 account with hundreds in both innings against Cardiff MCCU, will partner the somewhat dour Jaik Mickleburgh. Mark Pettini or Kishen Velani will fill in at three while Daniel Lawrence, a 17-year-old right-hander, looks likely to feature at four, despite making just 10 and 3 on debut. But if the top order appears shaky, just look at what's to follow - Foster, Ryder and Smith, not to mention Napier, who averages 47.87 against Surrey and will be given licence at number eight.

Napier might also have a say with the ball. The 35-year-old all-rounder took 43 championship wickets at 18.16 runs apiece last term, which would have put him top of most counties' bowling averages. Not Essex's, though. Jesse Ryder was the surprise package in 2014 and the burly New Zealander picked up where he left off by taking 5-43 against Kent the other day. The evergreen David Masters led the way in the second dig with figures of 4-45. But the name attracting attention is that of Jamie Porter, a 21-year-old who, long-term, could well succeed Masters as Essex's workhorse seamer.

Kevin Pietersen needs just two more runs for 1,000 first-class notches for the Oval outfit. Should he get them at the first attempt, KP will set a new Surrey record for reaching the landmark in the fewest number of innings. Meanwhile, Essex's Monty Panesar goes into this contest with 697 f-c wickets.

Surrey's 12-man squad consists of the starting eleven at Cardiff plus Stuart Meaker, which means Tim Linley (knee) and Chris Tremlett (hamstring) remain sidelined.

Surrey have only beaten Essex twice at the Oval in four-day cricket in their last 13 attempts. The weather forecast, which is filthy for days one and four, suggests that trend is likely to continue. Prediction - draw.

N Browne, J Mickleburgh, M Pettini, D Lawrence, J Foster (capt, wk), J Ryder, G Smith, G Napier, J Porter, D Masters and M Panesar.

Martin Bodenham and Nick Cook.

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