June 27, 2006
Surrey confident ahead of tonight’s Twenty20 clash with Middlesex
Surrey go into this evening’s clash with Middlesex confident in the knowledge that they have the wood on their north London rivals.
Since Twenty20 cricket began in 2003, Surrey have not lost to Middlesex and Alan Butcher’s men will be desperately keen to keep this record in tact.
A big crowd is expected to turn out this evening for the 5.30pm start at the home of cricket.
Surrey, former winners in 2003 and finalists in 2004, will be buoyed by the return of Azhar Mahmood, who has missed the last few matches with an ankle problem. The Pakistani international will be a huge boost for the side, who has missed his extra pace with the ball and heavy hitting with the bat.
World record holder for most wickets in an innings for an English domestic Twenty20 match, Tim Murtagh has also been included in the Surrey 13. Last year in the corresponding fixture, the 24 year old snared the miraculous figures of 6-24 from four overs to help Surrey come away with the win.
The Surrey 13 is; Jonathan Batty (wicket-keeper), James Benning, Mark Butcher, Mark Ramprakash, Ali Brown, Rikki Clarke, Azhar Mahmood, Ian Salisbury, Tim Murtagh, Nayan Doshi, Jade Dernbach, Stewart Walters and Scott Newman.
Meanwhile, the Brit Oval is preparing for their first of four Surrey home matches beginning tomorrow with a match against the Kent Spitfires. For more information about Twenty20 at the Brit Oval, click this link.
Injury News
James Ormond, who has been troubled be a knee problem, will play in the second eleven trophy match against the MCC tomorrow at Vine Lane. It is likely that Ormond will feature for Surrey at some stage throughout the Twenty20 round matches if he comes through tomorrow’s game with no problems.
Mohammad Akram is unavailable for this evening’s match because of a hip flexor problem. The Pakistani pace bowler first noticed the injury in Surrey’s last Championship match with Glamorgan. At this stage it is not clear when he will be available again.
Neil Saker has tendonitis in his right bicep, which requires some rest for a couple of days. However, the injury is not serious and it is expected that he will be available for the Sussex match this Friday at Hove if required.
