First plays third, but some would argue that the Oval outfit owe their top three billing to having played a game more than everyone else. If Surrey's hopes of promotion are to be maintained, it is imperative they turn in a decent performance against the Division Two leaders over the next four days; but the hosts could have their work cut out against a side that has won four times this season, including three out of their last four - against Leicestershire, Derbyshire and, more recently, Essex.

Hampshire's strength has been their batting. James Vince is the only batsman in the country with 1,000 first-class runs to his name. In the championship he has racked up 1,046 at an average of 80.46, which, even for Division Two, is the sort of form that attracts the attention of the England management. Will Smith (668 at 51.38) has also been a rock, while Jimmy Adams, Michael Carberry, Sean Ervine and Adam Wheater have also had more good days than bad.

South Africa's Kyle Abbott has excelled with the ball, claiming 35 championship wickets at 16.42 runs apiece, backed up ably by new ball partner James Tomlinson and, when called upon, slow left-armer Danny Briggs, who is averaging 20.58 runs per wicket from his five outings. Coles and Ervine have also chipped in, but it is interesting that Hampshire have included 17-year-old off-spinner Brad Taylor in their squad for this contest. 

Jason Roy's first-class run tally currently stands on 1,993, while Zafar Ansari and Matt Dunn have 46 and 45 f-c wickets respectively. Of the likely starters for Hampshire, David Balcombe goes into this clash with 196 first-class career wickets.

Tillakaratne Dilshan looks set to make his championship debut for Surrey, which would make him the 699th player to represent the club in first-class cricket. Tom Curran, Tim Linley, Stuart Meaker and Kevin O'Brien have also been included in the hosts 13-man squad, which is missing Jade Dernbach (who is likely to be out for six weeks after rupturing a hamstring against Leicestershire) and Chris Tremlett (who is being rested).

The weather forecast suggests that obtaining a positive outcome either way will be nigh on impossible, which is a shame given that the corresponding clash at the Rose Bowl also fell foul of the rain. In view of Graeme Smith's comments back in April, wouldn't it be interesting if, going into the fourth day, Hampshire are looking to Surrey to open up the game! For me? A draw.

M Carberry, J Adams (capt), W Smith, J Vince, S Ervine, A Wheater (wk), M Coles, K Abbott, D Briggs, J Tomlinson and D Balcombe.

Steve Gale and Richard Kettleborough.

GO TO:




BACK TO: