Billed as the relegation decider, the weather might scupper any such notion, however we'll see.

Last week, Surrey managed just 145 in their first innings, but Somerset being skittled out for 103 on the first day of Derbyshire's visit to Taunton left the hosts with too much to do in a game they ended up losing narrowly. Had Somerset won, Derbyshire and Surrey's fate would be all but sealed. As it is, the relegation picture remains a case of two from three.

Nick Compton has pledged his future to Somerset, which will be a relief to the Cidermen seeing as the former Middlesex batsman has hit 799 championship runs at an average of 47.00 this season to follow up his Indian summer of 2012. Signed as overseas player with turning pitches in mind, Piyush Chawla's ability with the bat has been a bonus. But, apart from Chawla, Compton has lacked support. Between them, Barrow, Hildreth, Kieswetter and Trescothick have managed just two championship hundreds this term, while all-rounders Thomas and Trego are averaging 15.66 and 15.70 respectively with the bat.

Chawla's ten scalps against Derbyshire suggests the pitch at Taunton will favour spin. Sadly, for Somerset, George Dockrell has only taken 14 wickets at 40.57 runs apiece in this year's championship with his slow left-arm, which has resulted in Jack Leach being given a go. Leach has risen to the challenge, taking 13 wickets at an average of 24.92. But the leading protagonists with the ball, with two matches to play, are seamers Alfonso Thomas and Jamie Overton, both of whom have had 31 kills to date.

If he plays, Stuart Meaker will be making his 50th first-class appearance alongside Dominic Sibley, who has been handed a f-c debut. Steven Davies goes into this match with 497 first-class dismissals to his name. Of the Somerset contingent, Craig Kieswetter is set to make have his 100th f-c outing. Prediction - draw.

Zafar Ansari, Jade Dernbach and Gary Wilson look set to return to first team action following, respectively, a thumb injury and spells on international duty. But the biggest talking point is the announcement that 18-year-old Dominic Sibley will make his first-class debut at the head of the batting order, in place of the out-of-form Arun Harinath. Stuart Meaker, who bowled just 10 overs in last week's loss to Middlesex is named in the 13-man squad as is Chris Tremlett, who was rested for the London derby.

Surrey have won just one of their last 10 four-day clashes with Somerset and only one of their last 14 championship matches at Taunton, so it would seem the best Gareth Batty's men can hope for is a draw. The weather forecast is also pointing that way, with a predicted day and a half, possibly more, being lost to rain.

M Trescothick (capt), N Compton, C Jones, J Hildreth, C Kieswetter (wk), A Barrow, P Trego, P Chawla, A Thomas, C Meschede and G Dockrell.

Peter Hartley and Peter Willey.

GO TO:




BACK TO: