Good to see Surrey secure a first win in the County Championship Div One, but they will face much stiffer tests than the weak Sussex attack at the Oval last week.
Middlesex are already providing a tougher examination of the Brown Cap's batting line up and the longer that de Bruyn and Ramps fail to score runs, the more likely that Chris Adams will turn to youth and Jason Roy who is waiting in the wings.
But Adams is right to give the old stagers a starting berth, experience is important in a division where nothing is given away.
By rights Surrey could have wrapped up victory in two days against the Sharks, but the quality that exists throughout teams in this league shone through. That patience and experience won the day and by not rushing for victory Surrey sailed home comfortably early on day four.
The London side's bowlers however look like THE force to be reckoned with this year - pace, accuracy and aggression were top of the menu. With some quality spin the vocal Surrey support will have much to cheer in the way of wickets this year. (And for those who were at the Oval late on the third day, yes they do need to pitch it up more!)
Good start, but we need more runs. 6 out of 10.
Friday, 13 April 2012
Tuesday, 3 April 2012
Selection matters...
Surrey go into first division action this Thursday in the opening game of the summer (weather permitting), but coach Chris Adams has a difficult task picking his best 11 as his batsman all stake a claim for inclusion.
Here is my pick for the game against Sussex at the Oval, and why:
1. Jacques Rudolph - simple selection, averages over 52 in championship cricket. Great addition to the squad and will give plenty to the young side on and off the pitch
2.Gary Wilson - for balance. When Steven Davies comes back it will be time for the England man to stand up and be counted at the top of the order. Until then, Wilson can deputise, and push for a place himself
3. Jason Roy - Huge talent. Needs a long stint in one slot to learn his trade, if not at three maybe at six. But this season should see a boy become a man.
4. Tom Maynard - Another who enters a crucial development season. Showed class last year and ability to bat long in the middle of a match. Surrey's key player this season - if England don't come knocking
5. Rory Hamilton-Brown - The skipper has been opening the batting out of necessity. Now Rudolph has arrived it gives him time to deliver in the middle of the order, where his technique and aggression is best suited. His bowling should also be further developed this year.
6. Zander de Bruyn - Amazing first year but should be put under pressure by a crop of youngsters eager to establish themselves in the first team. Will be a fine swansong, and his bowling is a handy weapon
7.Chris Jordan - Done enough in pre-season to gain a place, and was brilliant last year in helping the side gain promotion. If he stays injury free, he could be the surprise package of the season
8. Zafar Ansari - With Gareth Batty away with the MCC he needs to take his chance. Could be overlooked for Matthew Spriegel but if not given a chance will never improve
9. Jonathan Lewis - Great signing with so many Surrey pacemen now being called on by England. Will take wickets at key stages.
10. Stuart Meaker - If available, Meaker could have a similar impact as Jade Dernback did last time out. Could do with England letting him develop on the county circuit for a season at least
11. Tim Linley - Dependable and often under rated. Needs to stay clear of injuries and put in lots of overs
When we see the return of Jade, Batty, Tremlett, Pietersen, Ramps and Davies et al, it will be interesting to see what changes are made. Also, keep an eye on Matt Dunn this year - has real pace.
Here is my pick for the game against Sussex at the Oval, and why:
1. Jacques Rudolph - simple selection, averages over 52 in championship cricket. Great addition to the squad and will give plenty to the young side on and off the pitch
2.Gary Wilson - for balance. When Steven Davies comes back it will be time for the England man to stand up and be counted at the top of the order. Until then, Wilson can deputise, and push for a place himself
3. Jason Roy - Huge talent. Needs a long stint in one slot to learn his trade, if not at three maybe at six. But this season should see a boy become a man.
4. Tom Maynard - Another who enters a crucial development season. Showed class last year and ability to bat long in the middle of a match. Surrey's key player this season - if England don't come knocking
5. Rory Hamilton-Brown - The skipper has been opening the batting out of necessity. Now Rudolph has arrived it gives him time to deliver in the middle of the order, where his technique and aggression is best suited. His bowling should also be further developed this year.
6. Zander de Bruyn - Amazing first year but should be put under pressure by a crop of youngsters eager to establish themselves in the first team. Will be a fine swansong, and his bowling is a handy weapon
7.Chris Jordan - Done enough in pre-season to gain a place, and was brilliant last year in helping the side gain promotion. If he stays injury free, he could be the surprise package of the season
8. Zafar Ansari - With Gareth Batty away with the MCC he needs to take his chance. Could be overlooked for Matthew Spriegel but if not given a chance will never improve
9. Jonathan Lewis - Great signing with so many Surrey pacemen now being called on by England. Will take wickets at key stages.
10. Stuart Meaker - If available, Meaker could have a similar impact as Jade Dernback did last time out. Could do with England letting him develop on the county circuit for a season at least
11. Tim Linley - Dependable and often under rated. Needs to stay clear of injuries and put in lots of overs
When we see the return of Jade, Batty, Tremlett, Pietersen, Ramps and Davies et al, it will be interesting to see what changes are made. Also, keep an eye on Matt Dunn this year - has real pace.
Monday, 2 April 2012
That boy Roy...
The exaggerated foot front press in-between every over shows exactly what Jason Roy has been doing during the winter months - turning promise into technique and, fingers crossed, into runs.
Surrey's first pre-season encounter may have finished in a thrilling two-run victory against Leeds Uni, thanks largely to Tim Linley (5-45 in the 2nd innings) and Rory Burns (101 in the 1st innings), but it was four punches down the ground that showed a winter of hard work could yield some results for the 22-year-old.
Towards the end of the second day, Roy came in with the score on 58 for 3 and promptly thumped one past the left hand of the fielder at mid-on. Two more of the same followed, before a straighter version smashed into the stumps at the non-strikers end.
He only made 32, before mistiming one to mid-off, but the key was a new stance. Roy is now incredibly still at the crease, not even tapping his bat. He is clearly focused on hitting towards the V - great to see.
As any frustrated Surrey fan will tell you, the boy Roy has always been a talented bat, but too often a lazy pull across the line would kill an exciting innings before it had the chance to take off.
This year might be different. Keep the aggression and keep playing straight. Love the simplicity.
Star man v Leeds Uni: Chris Jordan, bowled quickly and scored 54 and 18 at the top of the order
Surrey's first pre-season encounter may have finished in a thrilling two-run victory against Leeds Uni, thanks largely to Tim Linley (5-45 in the 2nd innings) and Rory Burns (101 in the 1st innings), but it was four punches down the ground that showed a winter of hard work could yield some results for the 22-year-old.
Towards the end of the second day, Roy came in with the score on 58 for 3 and promptly thumped one past the left hand of the fielder at mid-on. Two more of the same followed, before a straighter version smashed into the stumps at the non-strikers end.
He only made 32, before mistiming one to mid-off, but the key was a new stance. Roy is now incredibly still at the crease, not even tapping his bat. He is clearly focused on hitting towards the V - great to see.
As any frustrated Surrey fan will tell you, the boy Roy has always been a talented bat, but too often a lazy pull across the line would kill an exciting innings before it had the chance to take off.
This year might be different. Keep the aggression and keep playing straight. Love the simplicity.
Star man v Leeds Uni: Chris Jordan, bowled quickly and scored 54 and 18 at the top of the order
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