WARWICKSHIRE V SURREY at Edgbaston (LVCC1), 6-9 SEPTEMBER 2007

Other than when they met Worcestershire, Surrey go into a championship game for the first time this season with less on their minds than their opponents. If the truth be known, Warwickshire are a team in turmoil. Amid rumours that he is about to be shown the door, Mark Greatbatch is still clinging on to the manager's job. Darren Maddy, who made an encouraging start as captain, and Kumar Sangakarra are both out of the picture due to the World Twenty20 tournament. Heath Streak will not feature either, following the announcement that he is quitting the game. With a number of injuries to key players thrown in, the only small crumb of comfort has been the arrival of Ant Botha from Derbyshire.

The home side will be fielding just two batsmen who are averaging over forty in the championship this year - Tim Ambrose, who will skipper the Bears in Maddy's absence, and Jim Troughton. Alex Loudon and Ian Westwood have had enough chances to make runs, but have not been up to the mark. Michael Powell, with a highest score this season of 37 not out will get another outing due to a lack of batting reserves. Mind you, Powell has a decent first-class record against Surrey - 575 runs at an average of 52.27.

With South Africa's Dale Steyn long since gone and Naqqash Tahir out with a hip injury, Warwickshire's attack does not appear to have any real cutting edge. Alfonso Thomas, Steyn's replacement as overseas player, is arguably the pick. James Anyon, despite being the Bears' leading wicket-taker in the championship, is averaging 43.85 with the ball. So, of those who are fit and available, the only other bowler of note is Botha, who took 51 wickets at 28.70 runs apiece prior to his move. Neil Carter and Chris Woakes look set to make up the numbers on this occasion.

Mark Ramprakash, who needs one more hundred for 95 in all first-class cricket, is set to make his 400th f-c appearance. Mark Butcher needs 1 catch for 250 f-c career catches.

Harbhajan Singh has been cleared to play by India's management. Matt Nicholson, Jimmy Ormond, Mark Ramprakash and Stewart Walters are also set to return to the side after missing Tuesday night's Pro40 League encounter at Canterbury.

With no worries as far as the weather forecast is concerned and Warwickshire in turmoil, if Mark Butcher can win the toss and bat first there is no reason why Surrey shouldn't make certain of their top flight status with a fourth championship win of the season.

M Powell, I Westwood, J Troughton, A Loudon, T Ambrose (capt, wk), L Parker, A Botha, N Carter, A Thomas, J Anyon and C Woakes.

Neil Bainton and Richard Kettleborough.

GO TO:




BACK TO: