As was the case last summer, Gloucestershire have struggled for runs this season. That said, Will Gidman has been a positive new signing. The 26-year-old former Durham man is currently averaging 56.40 from ten completed innings in the championship. Chris Dent and Ed Young have also impressed when given their chance. But, in particular, both keepers, Batty and Coughtrie, have barely scored a run between them.

With the ball, Jon Lewis has led the way with 28 championship wickets at 20.92 runs apiece. Ian Saxelby has bagged 21 victims, but at a greater cost, while Norwell and Payne have shown potential. But, sadly, as with so many counties, the spin option hasn't really been evident.

Gloucestershire's Vikram Banerjee and Alex Gidman go into this contest with 97 and 99 first-class wickets respectively.

Stuart Meaker is still recovering from a hamstring strain in his left leg, while Kevin Pietersen and Chris Tremlett are both on international duty. But it looks as though Surrey have resisted the temptation to play Matt Dunn in place of Yasir Arafat, so in comes Zafar Ansari. who looks likely to make his championship debut at Chris Schofield's expense. 

Surrey have struggled to post a decent first innings total against Gloucestershire in recent years. If the hosts correct that I cannot see the Bristolians taking a grip on this contest, but the weather forecast suggests a lot of time will be lost to rain. So, common sense tells me that this will end in a rain-affected draw.

I Cockbain, C Dent, K Williamson, C Taylor, A Gidman (capt), W Gidman, R Coughtrie (wk, E Young, I Saxelby, J Lewis and D Payne.

Rob Bailey and Richard Kettleborough.

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