SURREY V DERBYSHIRE at the AMP Oval (NUL2), 18 AUGUST 2002

Tomorrow, Surrey face Derbyshire in the first of two televised games this week involving the Lions.  It's almost two years to the day since these sides last met in any form of competition, so there will be quite a few new faces for Surrey to 'work out' in what is essentially a 'must win' for both teams.

Dominic Cork, who is available for the Scorpions, is a key player.  He is conceding just 2.72 runs per over in the Norwich Union League.  Cork has also taken nine wickets in six appearances and currently lies second in Derbyshire's NUL batting averages.

As this would suggest it has been runs that have been in short supply for the visitors this summer.  Steve Stubbings is the only batsman averaging over thirty, but his strike rate does not suggest his style sets the pulse racing.  Apart from their overseas player Michael Di Venuto, only ex-Somerset player Jason Kerr and 22-year-old Steve Selwood have made half-centuries in the Sunday League in 2002.

Thankfully the bowlers have kept their team in the hunt quite a few times.  Kevin Dean (14 wickets at 16.50 runs apiece in the NUL) and Graeme Welch have both put in top performances and have generally kept the runs down, while Dowman, Kerr and Wharton have acted as backup.

Believe it or not the Scorpions have won on three out of their last four limited-overs visits to SE11, but with the County Championship seemingly in the bag, you can now expect the Lions to start their charge for the line in the Sundays.

The England management have told Mark Butcher to rest, but Alec Stewart is available to play for Surrey for the second time since 18 June.  For his last championship appearance, however, you have to go back to May.  With Alex Tudor in the squad for this week's Third Test at Headingley, perhaps he will be told to put his feet up as well, which could open the door for the under-used Tim Murtagh.

M Di Venuto, C Bassano, S Stubbings, S Selwood, M Dowman, J Kerr, D Cork (capt), L Sutton (wk), G Welch, K Dean and L Wharton.

20 Aug 2000	NL	Won By 6 Wickets	The Oval
11 Jun 2000	NL	Won By 3 Wickets	Derby
4 Jul 1999	NL	Won By 64 Runs	Derby
31 May 1999	NL	Lost By 6 Wickets	The Oval
5 Aug 1998	NL	Lost By 28 Runs	The Oval
28 Jul 1998	NWT	Lost By 5 Wickets	The Oval
11 May 1997	NL	No Result	Derby
2 Jun 1996	NL	Won By 50 Runs	The Oval
27 Aug 1995	NL	Lost (Scoring Rate)	Derby
15 May 1994	NL	Won By 6 Wickets	The Oval
22 Aug 1993	NL	Won By 5 Wickets	Ilkeston
12 Jul 1992	NL	Won By 3 Wickets	The Oval

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