SURREY V SOMERSET at the
Kia Oval (LVCC1), 16-19 MAY 2012
Amazingly, tomorrow will see
Somerset pay their first championship visit to the Oval since 2002.
So, it's no real surprise that the ciderman have not tasted victory
in SE11 since 1995. What is a surprise, though, is Mark Ramprakash
being dropped for the first time in his championship career with
Surrey. However, a sequence that has produced just 174 runs at an
average of 10.87 in nine matches speaks for itself.
With Marcus Trescothick
sidelined with an injured ankle, Nick Compton has assumed the mantle
of Somerset's star batsman. In a season where ball has reigned
supreme over the bat, the former Middlesex man has made 479
championship runs at an average of 119.75. But, far from being a one
man show, Jos Buttler and Craig Kieswetter are both averaging over
45, while James Hildreth and Arul Suppiah have notched up
championship hundreds.
The bowling has also been a
blend of youth and experience. Overseas signing, Vernon Philander
has led the way with 18 championship wickets at 20.05 runs apiece,
ably abetted by Peter Trego, who has 19 victims at 21.31. The
back-up has included 18-year-old seamer Craig Overton and slow
left-armer George Dockrell, while 21-year-old seamer Adam Dibble
impressed in his only outing to date.
Jade Dernbach has 195 wickets in all first-class
cricket, while Steven Davies and Stuart Meaker have taken 94 f-c
dismissals and 98 wickets, respectively, as Surrey players. For
Somerset, Vernon Philander (2,438) is approaching 2,500 first-class
career runs, while Peter Trego (4,894 runs and 195 wickets since
joining Somerset) has two significant f-c milestones in his sight.
As I say, Mark Ramprakash has been dropped. His place will be filled
by Jason Roy. Meanwhile, Kevin Pietersen is on international duty and
there's no word, yet, on when Chris Tremlett (back) is likely to be
match fit again. With Jade Dernbach and Stuart Meaker returning to the
fold, following their outing in last week's England Lions game, Tim
Linley is likely to be stood down.
OPPONENT |
DATE |
RESULT |
VENUE |
SURREY |
OPPONENT |
Worcestershire |
9-12 May 2012 |
Match Drawn |
Worcester |
113 & 431-7d |
285 & 150-8 |
Durham |
26-29 Apr 2012 |
Abandoned |
The Oval |
- |
- |
Worcestershire |
19-22 Apr 2012 |
Match Drawn |
The Oval |
140 & 224 |
119 & 94-1 |
Middlesex |
12-15 Apr 2012 |
Lost By 3 Runs |
Lord's |
222 & 137 |
256 & 106 |
Sussex |
5-8 Apr 2012 |
Won By 86 Runs |
The Oval |
264 & 273 |
196 & 255 |
Somerset are likely to go into this match with barely half of their
team having made more than 15 first-class appearances. Nevertheless
the cidermen have garnered more points than Surrey from their
opening five matches. Indeed, 21 of the Oval outfit's tally of 39
points came from the opening week victory over Sussex. The weather
forecast looks set fair, although it's likely to be chilly over the
next four days. Expect a positive outcome as well as a close
contest. I'll probably regret saying this, but I sense Surrey will
edge it.
A Suppiah, L Gregory, N Compton, J Hildreth (capt), C Kieswetter
(wk), J Buttler, P Trego, C Meschede, C Overton, V Philander and G
Dockrell.
Ian Gould and Trevor Jesty.
DATE |
RESULT |
VENUE |
TOSS |
DECISION |
SURREY |
SOMERSET |
12-15 Aug 2008 |
Match Drawn |
Taunton |
Surrey |
Field |
406-9 |
401-3d |
30 May - 2 Jun 2008 |
Lost By 8 Wickets |
Whitgift School |
Somerset |
Field |
326 & 227 |
446 & 111-2 |
19-22 Jul 2006 |
Match Drawn |
Guildford |
Somerset |
Bat |
717 |
688-8d |
14-16 Jun 2006 |
Won By 4 Wickets |
Bath |
Surrey |
Field |
266 & 356-6 |
342 & 276 |
3-6 Jul 2002 |
Match Drawn |
Taunton |
Somerset |
Field |
608-6d & 324-5d |
554 & 329-7 |
24-27 May 2002 |
Match Drawn |
The Oval |
Surrey |
Bat |
220 & 332 |
253 & 45-1 |
23-26 Aug 2001 |
Match Drawn |
Taunton |
Somerset |
Bat |
278 & 294-6 |
373 & 311-6d |
6-9 Jun 2001 |
Won By 6 Wickets |
The Oval |
Somerset |
Bat |
403 & 210-4 |
377 & 234 |
14-16 Jun 2000 |
Won By An Inns & 213 Runs |
The Oval |
Surrey |
Bat |
548 |
145 & 190 |
26-29 Apr 2000 |
Match Drawn |
Taunton |
Somerset |
Field |
185 |
302-8d |
26-29 May 1999 |
Won By 7 Wickets |
The Oval |
Somerset |
Bat |
558-9d & 49-3 |
199 & 405 |
21-24 May 1998 |
Lost By 165 Runs |
Taunton |
Surrey |
Field |
241 & 245 |
176 & 475 |
23-26 Apr 1997 |
Match Drawn |
The Oval |
Somerset |
Bat |
209-8 |
463 |
2-6 May 1996 |
Match Drawn |
Taunton |
Somerset |
Field |
367 & 410-4 |
558 |
8-12 Jun 1995 |
Lost By 5 Wickets |
The Oval |
Surrey |
Bat |
221 & 419-9d |
260 & 383-5 |
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