Amazingly, tomorrow will see Somerset pay their first championship visit to the Oval since 2002. So, it's no real surprise that the ciderman have not tasted victory in SE11 since 1995. What is a surprise, though, is Mark Ramprakash being dropped for the first time in his championship career with Surrey. However, a sequence that has produced just 174 runs at an average of 10.87 in nine matches speaks for itself.

With Marcus Trescothick sidelined with an injured ankle, Nick Compton has assumed the mantle of Somerset's star batsman. In a season where ball has reigned supreme over the bat, the former Middlesex man has made 479 championship runs at an average of 119.75. But, far from being a one man show, Jos Buttler and Craig Kieswetter are both averaging over 45, while James Hildreth and Arul Suppiah have notched up championship hundreds.

The bowling has also been a blend of youth and experience. Overseas signing, Vernon Philander has led the way with 18 championship wickets at 20.05 runs apiece, ably abetted by Peter Trego, who has 19 victims at 21.31. The back-up has included 18-year-old seamer Craig Overton and slow left-armer George Dockrell, while 21-year-old seamer Adam Dibble impressed in his only outing to date.

Jade Dernbach has 195 wickets in all first-class cricket, while Steven Davies and Stuart Meaker have taken 94 f-c dismissals and 98 wickets, respectively, as Surrey players. For Somerset, Vernon Philander (2,438) is approaching 2,500 first-class career runs, while Peter Trego (4,894 runs and 195 wickets since joining Somerset) has two significant f-c milestones in his sight.

As I say, Mark Ramprakash has been dropped. His place will be filled by Jason Roy. Meanwhile, Kevin Pietersen is on international duty and there's no word, yet, on when Chris Tremlett (back) is likely to be match fit again. With Jade Dernbach and Stuart Meaker returning to the fold, following their outing in last week's England Lions game, Tim Linley is likely to be stood down.

Somerset are likely to go into this match with barely half of their team having made more than 15 first-class appearances. Nevertheless the cidermen have garnered more points than Surrey from their opening five matches. Indeed, 21 of the Oval outfit's tally of 39 points came from the opening week victory over Sussex. The weather forecast looks set fair, although it's likely to be chilly over the next four days. Expect a positive outcome as well as a close contest. I'll probably regret saying this, but I sense Surrey will edge it.

A Suppiah, L Gregory, N Compton, J Hildreth (capt), C Kieswetter (wk), J Buttler, P Trego, C Meschede, C Overton, V Philander and G Dockrell.

Ian Gould and Trevor Jesty.

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