Surrey set for same CB40 formula

Surrey have named the 13 players from whom they will select an XI to play Hampshire at Whitgift tomorrow. If the last four days are anything to go by it could be a very high scoring game.

The 13 players named, and the team I expect, are as follows:

Rory Hamilton-Brown
Steven Davies
Jason Roy
Zander De Bruyn
Tom Maynard
Matthew Spriegel
Chris Schofield
Tom Jewell
Gareth Batty
Yasir Arafat
Tim Linley

12th men: Gary Wilson, Chris Jordan

From my point of view I'm disappointed not to see the extra batsman included, either Ramprakash or Kevin Pietersen, or even perhaps Arun Harinath. I know the formula has worked in the last few games, but I can't help thinking we're going to be found out eventually with too long a tail. I am also slightly concerned about the cutting-edge, or lack of it, offered by that attack. With no Meaker, Tremlett or Dernbach to call on I think we could struggle. There will likely be a fight between Schofield, Jewell and Jordan for the final two slots, its much of a muchness really but I'd like to see Jewell given a go.

We may have knocked over Hampshire for 141 in the game at the Rose Bowl, and their average CB40 innings may be just 194 in 2011, but they can't keep failing with the bat. Back in April they racked up 274 against a Warwickshire attack including Woakes, Rankin and an in-form Rikki Clarke. They will be without Jimmy Adams which does weaken their order but the likes of Dawson, Ervine, Vince and the returning Mascarenhas have got plenty of runs in them if it clicks. Their bowling is very strong too, Cork, Briggs, Jones and Chris Wood isn't bad either.

On such a small ground, with a wicket likely to suit the batsman, I think we might struggle with that side. However we've shown no little character in pulling off some wins that we didn't look like making this season, and Hamilton-Brown is due a big innings - if he gets going at Whitgift it could be carnage, fingers crossed it is!