WARWICKSHIRE V SURREY at Edgbaston (LVCC)
7-10 APRIL 2022

After two years of a Covid-driven format, promotion and relegation returns to this summer's County Championship; with the make-up of each Division reflecting how things would have been in 2020, but for the pandemic, with 10 teams, now, in Division One and 8 in Div Two.

It's fair to say that expectations amongst Surrey fans will be tempered by the Oval outfit's record in first-class cricket since the start of 2019 - 13 defeats and just five victories. But the 14-match schedule would appear to be kind to the South Londoners, who will only have to do battle once with each of the pre-season favourites for the title - Essex and Lancashire.

First up, Surrey play defending champions Warwickshire, who took the crown in dramatic fashion on the final day of last term, and, for that reason are not to be under-estimated.

The Bears will be without Aussie all-rounder Nathan McAndrew, who will fill the gap created by Tim Bresnan's retirement. But it's great to see 22-year-old fast bowler Henry Brookes in the hosts' squad, after missing the entire 2021 season. That said, Warwickshire will also be without Liam Norwell - their leading wicket-taker in last summer's Champo - due to a back injury, and Chris Woakes, who is being rested at the request of the England management.

With the bat, the Bears will be hoping for greater consistency from a top order that lacked anyone averaging more than 38 in four-day cricket in 2021.

Surrey v Warwickshire - First-Class Records Sheet

Kemar Roach will start with 1,992 first-class runs while, in the other dressing room, Michael Burgess (97) is approaching 100 f-c dismissals, Sam Hain (4,924) 5,000 first-class runs, Will Rhodes (3,897) 4,000 and Dom Sibley (5,899) eyeing up 6,000. 

Surrey's line-up is much as expected, given those who are sidelined, but it's interesting to see 21-year-old seamer James Taylor in the 12-man squad. Sam and Tom Curran are currently recovering from back injuries, Matt Dunn has a side strain, Gus Atkinson a hip issue related to a recent illness, and Conor McKerr a fractured rib.

The weather forecast suggests that days one and two could be interrupted by rain, so a draw seems the most likely outcome. The most glaring stat from 2021 was that the only time Surrey dismissed their opponents twice was when they had an overseas bowler in their ranks, which suggests Kemar Roach will play a pivotal role in the opening weeks. But, in April and away from home, the Oval outfit have not tasted victory in four-day cricket since 2006.   

D.Sibley, A.Davies, R.Yates, W.Rhodes (capt), S.Hain, D.Mousley, M.Burgess (wk), D.Briggs, C.Miles, H.Brookes and O.Hannon-Dalby.

Steve O'Shaughnessy and Tim Robinson.

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