KP named in squad for Worcester trip

As expected, Kevin Pietersen has been named in a 13 man squad to travel to Worcestershire this week in the LVCC Division One clash. Young seamer George Edwards has also been named as Jade Dernbach and Stuart Meaker are with the England Lions.

KP comes into this match in terrific form after his exploits in the IPL for the Delhi Daredevils. He will be looking to transfer his form into the longer form of the game though, in much more difficult batting conditions than he faced in India.  It isn't apparent just as yet who he will replacing in the side, as Ramps has once again been named after having a short amount of time batting in the second X1 last week. Adams could drop Roy, and bat KP at 4, Zander 5, and the skipper at 6. However, that will leave Maynard down at number 7 which is surely too low for a batsman of his quality. However, it shows we have strength in depth in the batting line up.

Tim Linley is certain to come in for one of the Lions bound bowlers, but the other place is still up for grabs. George Edwards is in fantastic form in the second X1, taking 9 wickets in the match last week, outshining the likes of Linley and Jordan.  If Adams chooses to bat Maynard at number 7, then he can afford to leave out Jordan who hasn't bowled particularly well this season, with Batty at 8. The last 3 spots will then be filled by Lewis, Linley and Edwards. However, if Adams leaves out Maynard or perhaps Ramps, then Jordan or Roy will be needed at 7 to bolster the batting.

If Ramps is picked, I think this is his last chance to prove that he still has got what it takes to play at the highest level. If he fails again, then Adams will have to leave him out and give one of our younger batsman a shot. I so want him to do well, but with the way he has played this season, I sadly can't see it.

RHB will want to continue his fine form from both competitions this season, and stake a place for a future Lions call up. Rudolph and Davies will also be looking to take the form they showed in the CB40 into the Championship. Like Ramps, Zander hasn't been in the greatest form in the Championship, after his fifty in the first game against Sussex, but his situation isn't as desperate as his all round abilities could come in useful with Meaker and Dernbach out of the side.

So, this is already the second time we have played Worcestershire this season, after the rain affected draw 3 weeks ago. They showed they have the right blend of youth and experience in their side, with the canny Alan Richardson picking up a ten wicket haul. After being moved to Kidderminster due to the floods, the game has been moved back to New Road. Good news for Worcester but possibly not for the batsman, as the Kidderminster pitch is usually a belter.

Surrey will be looking to get their LVCC season back on track, after the defeat to Middlesex, draw to Worcs and washout against Durham. Come on the Rey!

Surrey Squad:

Rory Hamilton-Brown (C)

Jacques Rudolph

Steve Davies (WK) 

Mark Ramprakash

Kevin Pietersen

Zander de Bruyn

Tom Maynard

Jason Roy

Chris Jordan

Gareth Batty

Jon Lewis

Tim Linley

George Edwards