Recent history shows a curious sequence of three Middlesex victories, followed by three wins for Surrey then three draws. With rain threatening the first two days, perhaps the weather forecast provides the best indication of how this particular contest will end up. Last summer's draw specialists have addressed their bowling deficiencies in the close season by signing the Proteus duo Hayward and Klusener for 2004, but the latter is missing for this game due to his involvement in South Africa's equivalent of the Twenty20 Cup. In the absence of skipper Andrew Strauss, the runs will surely come, if not from the blade of Sven Koenig, then the bat of one of the MIddlesex's youthful middle-order of Ben Hutton, Owais Shah and Ed Joyce. In their opener at Edgbaston, Paul Weekes followed up his 118 with first innings figures of five for 76, while Chad Keegan and Nantie Hayward shared the rest of the spoils. However, Melvyn Betts, who conceded 74 off eight overs against his old county, Warwickshire, did little to impress his new employers. It is no surprise, therefore, that Paul Hutchison has been drafted into the North Londoners' squad for tomorrow. The visitors will be buoyed by the fact that Ramprakash, Brown and Hollioake have all made big scores at Lord's. However, only Saqlain Mushtaq goes into this contest with any form against Surrey's traditional enemy. In terms of approaching milestones Jimmy Ormond is 4 victims away from capturing his 100th wicket for Surrey in the championship.
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