SUSSEX V SURREY at Hove (CC1), 8-11 AUGUST 2002

Their one-day form might be a bit wobbly at the moment, but few betting firms are still taking money on Surrey winning this season's County Championship.  Furthermore the visitors have been successful on each of their last three championship visits to Hove, which may not be as sunny as we have come to expect it if the weather forecasters are to be believed.

Sussex have only won one of their last five four-day matches, but what a win it was at Taunton where they turned over the cidermen thanks to Robin Martin-Jenkins's unbeaten 205 and the second of three centuries this season from Tony Cottey.  Another with a hat-trick this campaign is Chris Adams, who is hoping to be passed fit.  Surprisingly, though, last summer's prolific run scorers - Richard Montgomerie and Murray Goodwin - are only averaging 38.16 and 34.00 respectively.

The home side will welcome back James Kirtley who has taken his wickets at 23.68 runs apiece in the championship.  Billy Taylor, Kevin Innes and Jason Lewry have been effective, yet nowhere near as lethal as their 27-year-old vice captain. 

The talisman for the visitors would appear to be Saqlain Mushtaq, who has taken 23 wickets at 10.17 runs apiece in three matches against Sussex - all of which Surrey have won.

This will only be the third championship match at Hove this season.  The previous two were both drawn and the weather forecast appears to make that the likeliest outcome.  But, Surrey have got a squad to take advantage of all conditions and I would be surprised if they do not make their quality pay.

Alex Tudor is not wanted by England, so with James Ormond sidelined there will be at least one change to the side which beat Yorkshire at Guildford.  Also, with Sussex set to field an all-seam attack, Ian Salisbury could be surplus to requirements if the pitch is left a bit green.  Tim Murtagh has therefore been named in the visitors' squad.

M Goodwin, R Montgomerie, C Adams (capt), T Cottey, T Ambrose, R Martin-Jenkins, M Prior (wk), K Innes, J.Kirtley, B Taylor and J Lewry.

19-22 Apr 2002	Won By 10 Wickets	The Oval
18-21 Aug 1999	Won By 207 Runs	Hove
30 Jul - 1 Aug 1998	Won By An Innings & 69 Runs	The Oval
28-30 Aug 1997	Won By An Innings & 101 Runs	Hove
17-20 Jul 1996	Won By 135 Runs	Guildford
15-19 Jun 1995	Match Drawn	Horsham
28 Jul - 1 Aug 1994	Lost By An Innings & 34 Runs	The Oval
6-8 May 1993	Won By 10 Wickets	Hove
29 May - 1 Jun 1992	Match Drawn	The Oval

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