SURREY BROWN CAPS V MIDDLESEX CRUSADERS at the Brit Oval (Friends Provident Trophy), 13 MAY 2007

Tomorrow's match will only be the second meeting between the Brown Caps and the Crusaders in List A cricket since 2002, when Middlesex enjoyed a comfortable victory at Whitgift School thanks to a brilliant 110 off 93 balls from Owais Shah, to which only Alistair Brown had any answer. Brown made 94 in 63 deliveries. It was a similar story when Surrey travelled to Southgate a year ago. Brown made 57 out of 149, which fell someway short of the hosts' 257-9; which showcased another Shah half-century as well as fifties from Nick Compton and Ben Scott.

But Middlesex, who have won two and lost two, have had problems containing sides in this summer's Friends Provident Trophy. Other than Surrey Old Boy, Tim Murtagh (10 wickets at 15.60 runs apiece) and Murali Kartik, skipper Ed Smith has not really known who to throw the ball to. That said, Sri Lankan left-arm seamer, Chaminda Vaas is set to make his first appearance of the season for the North Londoners, whose batting has been more consistent. Shah (191 runs at an average of 63.66) has already made two half-centuries. Jamie Dalrymple, Eoin Morgan and Andrew Strauss have also had some early season success for the Crusaders.

To follow... sorry.

Azhar Mahmood is said to have worked hard to be fit for this match, so tomorrow could see something of a rareity - Surrey fielding two overseas players.

The weather forecast for tomorrow is atrocious. If there is some play, therefore, the match could turn into a Twenty20 encounter. Surrey have an impeccable record against Middlesex in the Twenty20 Cup, furthermore they have won on both of their Friends Provident outings to date, so it's a no-brainer - back the Brown Caps to win, even at odds of 2/3 on.

E Joyce, E Smith (capt), A Strauss, O Shah, D Nash (wk), J Dalrymple, E Morgan, T Murtagh, R Johnson, M Kartik and C Vaas.

Jeff Evans and Barrie Leadbeater.

GO TO:




BACK TO: