When Surrey have won against Warwickshire in recent years they have won big, with three innings victories coming in the last six meetings between these two sides. But as the Bears proved when they visited The Oval last summer they are certainly capable of causing the odd surprise. Not only did that victory come after Warwickshire were invited to follow-on, it also represented the visitors first championship victory at The Oval for 27 years. The odds are against them doing it on this occasion, due mainly to a batting line-up that is yet to find much form. Nick Knight, who effectively announced his retirement from international cricket on Sunday, is averaging just 22.66. The left-handed opener has also been troubled by a growth in his right knee and will undergo surgery next week. The much-vaunted Ian Bell and Dominic Ostler have also struggled. Much will rest, therefore, on the shoulders of Jim Troughton and Mark Wagh. As the case of Tony Frost proves Warwickshire are not alone in asking their wicketkeeper to open the batting as well. That said, the 27-year-old has performed creditably in the absence of injured skipper Michael Powell, making 76 runs in three innings. The bowling attack has been hit by injuries too. Michael Clark, an Australian fast bowler, who, it was intended would act as cover until Shane Bond fulfilled his commitments to New Zealand, is sidelined with a groin strain while fellow left-armer Neil Carter is out with an injured back. That leaves Alan Richardson, who missed both encounters with Surrey last season, to lead the attack alongside Melvyn Betts who has benefited from remodelling his action and is the Bears' leading wicket-taker after two matches. Dougie Brown and spinner Ashley Giles offer support.
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