SUSSEX V SURREY at Hove (Royal London One-Day Cup), 7 MAY 2017

When Surrey last travelled to Hove for a List A game, in 2010, Kevin Pietersen hit 116 and Zafar Ansari claimed a wicket on one-day debut all in a contest that ended with scores level.

So, then... Third in the South Group plays host to fourth. Both both have lost to Somerset, the group leaders, and both have turned over Glamorgan. However, Sussex have the advantage of having only lost the once, so far, despite the fact that they were facing a mountain to climb when rain came to their rescue at Lord's, where Middlesex were allowed to rack up 341-5.

The bowling is a massive concern for the Sharks. With Chris Jordan on IPL duty, Steve Magoffin not considered a one-day option and the West Indies' Jerome Taylor still acclimatising, it has fallen to David Wiese and Jofra Archer to lead the attack. While Wiese has impressed, 22-year-old Archer has taken 5 wickets at 44.20 runs apiece and conceded practically six an over. For economy, if nothing else, Stiaan van Zyl's steady seam up has at least offered skipper Luke Wright some control.

Laurie Evans's swashbuckling innings at Canterbury has been the stand-out performance by a Sussex batsman, thus far, in the Royal London. The rest of the Martlets' top order has looked dependable. Harry Finch is averaging 49.00 and all-rounders van Zyl and Wiese 38.00, but get beyond keeper Michael Burgess - who will be deputising for the injured Ben Brown (finger) - and you're into something of an unwagging tail.

Surrey v Sussex - List A Records Sheet

Surrey old boy / Sussex new boy Laurie Evans, who hit a match-winning 134 not out (off 86 balls) against Kent at Canterbury yesterday, starts with 893 List A career runs.

Jade Dernbach, who was forced to pull out of yesterday's seven-wicket victory over Middlesex at the Oval with a back complaint, is named in Surrey's 13-man squad for Hove.

Seven out of Surrey's last eight Royal London matches have been won by the side batting second - the exception being last summer when they turned over Yorkshire in the semis. On paper, Sussex appear to be the only remaining test for Surrey in this year's South Group, since Gloucestershire, Hampshire and Kent have registered just two victories between them. The key to this match will be taking full advantage of Hove's short boundary. Expect runs and, if yesterday's London derby was any yardstick, expect a Surrey win.

C.Nash, L.Wright (capt), H.Finch, S.van Zyl, L.Evans, D.Wiese, M.Burgess (wk), J.Archer, D.Briggs, J.Taylor and G.Garton.

Neil Bainton and Nigel Llong.

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