SUSSEX V SURREY at Hove (Royal London One-Day Cup), 19 APRIL 2019

Surrey, who opened their 2019 Royal London account with a heavy defeat to Gloucestershire, travel to Hove for Sussex's first outing in this year's 50-over competition.

The Martlets (or are they still called the Sharks?) have not appeared in a Lord’s showpiece since 2009, when they lost to Hampshire in the final of the Friends Provident Trophy.

Other than T20 meetings, Surrey have only played Sussex at Hove on one occasion since 2010 – two years ago, when they were rolled over by 95 runs on a turning pitch in the group stages of the Royal London; and they haven't won there in three out of three in List A.

The biggest danger for the Oval outfit could well be Surrey old boy Laurie Evans, who in the last three years has averaged 64.25 (in 2016), 57.80 (in 2017) and 60.00 (in 2018) in List A cricket. Given his consistency with the bat, it is mystifying he barely gets a mention in terms of England. But Evans was not alone in having a memorable Royal London campaign last term - David Wiese averaged 53.50, Luke Wright 45.80 and Harry Finch 41.66.

Sussex's bowling is also serviceable, particularly at home. Danny Briggs comes in as specialist one-day spinner - and Will Beer will do likewise if turn is on the cards - while the seam department will be headed by Chris Jordan and, of course, new overseas signing Mir Hamza.

Surrey v Sussex - List A Records Sheet

Gareth Batty (247) is closing in on 250 List A one-day career wickets.

Surrey name an unchanged 14-man squad, i.e. the one that travelled to Bristol yesterday. But given the bloody nose they suffered at the hands of Gloucestershire, it would be truly astonishing if there weren't any changes to the Oval outfit's starting eleven; not least because, first time out, Surrey managed to score just 21 runs more than new signing Liam Plunkett conceded with the ball!

This is a must-win game for Surrey, especially as their net run rate leaves plenty to be desired following their 147-run drubbing at Bristol. But the good news is Sussex will be resting two key players - Ollie Robinson and Stiaan van Zyl - while Jofra Archer is otherwise occupied out in the IPL. So, keeping the faith, I foresee a first victory of the new season for Rory Burns' men.

L.Wright, P.Salt, H.Finch, L.Evans, B.Brown (capt, wk), D.Wiese, C.Jordan, G.Garton, A.Sakande, M.Hamza and D.Briggs.

Jeff Evans and Martin Saggers. (Third umpire - Rob Bailey.).

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