To set up a game, or not to set up a game?

Finally some play!  After the weather put paid to any chance of play yesterday the ground was dry enough this morning for play to start on time and a full day's play was possible.

Pietersen and Hamilton-Brown resumed with the score on 115 and KP didn't hang about long, he didn't add to his overnight 40, bringing the number of First Class runs he has scored for Surrey to a grand total of 41, we should all be concerned at his lack of form.  The skipper hung about (haven't said that too often this season!) for a while at least with Gary Wilson but after he departed there was something of a collapse.  From 152-4 we were all out for 186, the last six wickets went down for just 34 runs and no bonus points were to be had.

Presumably the captains had a conversation at some stage about making a game of things because Gloucestershire saw fit to declare with the score on just 106 - 80 in arrears.  It rather cruelly denied Chris Tremlett the chance to bag his first five-for of the season, though he did pick up his seventh four-for!  He has been exceptional, to say the least, in a sea of average bowling for Surrey this season.

Surrey then progressed to 55-2 by the close of play, Lancefield plodding along somewhat on 15 from 51 balls.  I was a bit disappointed to see Linley sent in as nightwatchman, the last thing we need if there is to be a game tomorrow is Tim Linley hanging around holding up proceedings.  Hamilton-Brown should've told Pietersen to get out there and bat!

With a lead of 135 and 8 wickets in hand, we look reasonably safe, but not only are we capable of collapsing spectacularly, Gloucestershire's bowlers are more than capable of an inspired spell or two between them.  It should be an interesting final day - providing the weather doesn't get in the way again.