GLOUCESTERSHIRE GLADIATORS V
SURREY LIONS at Bristol (NL1), 25 MAY 2003
Despite the visitors' excellent record against
Gloucestershire and the fact that the Gladiators have won just one out of three
so far in the National Cricket League, tomorrow's contest - along with
Wednesday's - will determine how great a season Surrey are likely enjoy in 2003.
The west country outfit are no pushovers in one-day
cricket. They have some exciting batsmen to follow the strong top-order
trio of Phil Weston, Craig Spearman and Tim Hancock; - all of whom made runs in
the win over the Leicestershire Foxes. A middle order of Jonty Rhodes, the
dependable Matt Windows, plus Alleyne and Russell should stand them in good
stead against a Lions attack that will look weakened if Bicknell is also
sidelined.
With the ball the Gladiators rely on James Averis and Mike
Smith to keeping things quiet. Jon Lewis is a very underrated bowler, and
one likely to be amongst the wickets should there be any on offer. The
arrival of Kiwi fast bowler Ian Butler led to Martyn Ball being ousted, which is
unheard of, when Gloucestershire travelled to Cardiff last Sunday, but the
nature of their defeat at the hands of the Dragons may result in a re-think for
tomorrow's game.
Surrey have rode their luck once or twice this season in limited-overs cricket
and if, as one suspects, tomorrow's contest is a nail-biter, by the the law of
averages it must be the Lions' turn to slip up.
Alex Tudor is out for at least two more weeks while he recovers from a minor
knee operation, Ian Ward misses the game with a damaged groin and it remains to
be seen whether Martin Bicknell will be fit after taking a blow on the right
hand fielding at fourth slip at Chelmsford today. In theory Mark Butcher
and Alec Stewart are available with the Lord's Test finishing inside three days,
but neither have played one-day cricket for Surrey this summer.
P Weston, C Spearman, T Hancock, J Rhodes, M Windows, M
Alleyne (capt), J
Russell (wk), J Lewis, J
Averis, I Butler and M Smith.
22 Sep 2002 |
NL |
Won By 79 Runs |
The Oval |
19 May 2002 |
NL |
Lost By 1 Wicket |
Bristol |
16 Sep 2001 |
NL |
Won By 36 Runs |
Bristol |
12 Aug 2001 |
NL |
Won By 2 Wickets |
The Oval |
14 Jul 2001 |
B&H |
Won By 47 Runs |
Lord's |
27 Jun 1999 |
B&H |
Lost By 7 Wickets |
Bristol |
26 Jul 1998 |
NL |
Lost By 22 Runs |
Cheltenham |
8 Jul 1998 |
NWT |
Won By 52 Runs |
Bristol |
30 Apr 1998 |
B&H |
Won By 7 Wickets |
The Oval |
18 May 1997 |
NL |
Won By 5 Wickets |
The Oval |
30 Apr 1997 |
B&H |
Won By 3 Wickets |
Bristol |
26 May 1996 |
NL |
Won By 72 Runs |
Gloucester |
30 Apr 1996 |
B&H |
Won By 3 Wickets |
The Oval |
16 Jul 1995 |
NL |
Won By 19 Runs |
The Oval |
29 May 1994 |
NL |
Won By 10 Runs |
Gloucester |
18 Jul 1993 |
NL |
Won (Scoring Rate) |
Guildford |
28 Jun 1992 |
NL |
Won By 17 Runs |
Bristol |
5 May 1992 |
B&H |
Won By 2 Wickets |
The Oval |
12 May 1991 |
NL |
Lost By 25 Runs |
The Oval |
29 Jul 1990 |
NL |
Lost By 5 Wickets |
Cheltenham |
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