SURREY V WARWICKSHIRE at the Kia Oval (VCC)
10-13 MAY 2024

Third in Division One plays host to fourth. Surrey sat out last week’s round of County Championship matches, which allowed Essex and Somerset to move ahead of the Oval outfit; but only by a tad, plus the South Londoners have the advantage of a game in hand.

Many fully expected Essex to put real daylight between them and Surrey, but it was Somerset who triumphed at Taunton in a game that saw 37 batters perishing – all of them to seam – in 188 overs.

Essex also face a possible points deduction after opener Feroze Khushi’s bat failed an on-field dimensions check in this season’s opening round. In 2022, Durham were docked 10 points after Nic Maddison’s bat failed to fit through the umpires’ measurement gauge.

So, it’s not only the weather forecast for this weekend that’s looking good ahead of Warwickshire’s visit to the Oval.

The Bears have drawn all their matches so far this season, but that hasn’t stopped their top order stockpiling runs. Alex Davies has made 481 in the championship at an average of 96.20, Rob Yates 386 at 96.50, Will Rhodes 357 at 89.25 and Ed Barnard 204 at 40.80. Jacob Bethell and Dan Mousley are also averaging 49.00 and 48.25 with the willow respectively, plus Sam Hain is available again after missing the start of the season due to personal reasons.

The Bears' bowling averages make less attractive reading, but, Ollie Hannon-Dalby, consistent as ever, has picked up 12 wickets at 27.25, while off-spinner Rob Yates so far has 11 at 30.45.

Surrey v Warwickshire - First-Class Records Sheet

Dominic Sibley (7,844) is approaching 8,000 first-class career runs, while Jamie Smith (2,923) is within sight of a 3,000th. Ben Foakes (399) needs one more catch for 400 catches in f-c cricket as a keeper, while Ollie Pope (98) needs two more for 100 catches as a fielder in first-class. Warwickshire’s Ed Barnard (292) is closing in on 300 f-c career wickets, Will Rhodes needs five more for 100 first-class wickets. Rob Yates (2,923) is 77 runs shy of 3,000 in f-c cricket and, finally, wicketkeeper Michael Burgess (194) is within sight of 200 first-class career dismissals.

Sean Abbott has arrived from Australia and looks set to see action immediately. The difficult question is who will Abbott replace? Ben Foakes is also available again after being rested for the victory over Hampshire a fortnight ago.

Surrey have won their last four championship clashes with Warwickshire at the Oval, but the Bears could be a tougher nut to crack this time given the form their batters are in at the moment. That said, I expect the hosts to lead the way.

R.Yates, A.Davies (capt), W.Rhodes, S.Hain, D.Mousley, J.Bethell, M.Burgess (wk), E.Barnard, D.Briggs, Aamir Jamal and O.Hannon-Dalby.

Rob Bailey and Steve O'Shaughnessy.

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