Ansari named in squad for CB40 opener

Chris Adams has named Zafar Ansari in a 13 man squad for the first game in the defence of the CB40, against Somerset on Friday afternoon at the Kia Oval. Tim Linley will replace him in the squad for Sunday’s trip to Scotland.

There are no real surprises in the squad chosen, with Gary Wilson one of the two likely to be missing out on the starting X1 in both games. Adams and RHB are faced with the dilemma of who opens the batting, with Davies, Rudolph, Roy and the skipper himself all a possibility. I think that Davies is a certainty in opening the batting, as it is his best position by far, and RHB is likely to be his partner as he comes off the back of his match winning 78 in the final last year. The top 6 looks extremely good, with Roy most likely in at number 3, and Rudolph, Maynard and de Bruyn occupying 4, 5 and 6 with flexibility in the order to suit the situation which arises at the time.

The bowling line up looks equally as strong, with 2 current and 2 former England internationals possibly making up positions 8-11 in the order. Gareth Batty will provide the main spin option, but as we witnessed last year, Spriegel’s off break has improved vastly and was a vital part of the triumph in 2011. Zafar Ansari may play, but then who do you leave out? Lewis? Meaker?... I’m not sure.

 40 over cricket is Jade Dernbach’s best format I feel, and he will want to continue his good form this season to keep his place in the ODI squad. Whereas Meaker is probably most suited to the longer format of the game, but he has added control to his bowling, which would make him a better option in limited overs cricket than in the previous 2 or 3 years. Jon Lewis makes up the England quartet, and his control in the middle overs could be important, with the younger pair bowling at the death.

A main part of Surrey’s trophy success last year was Chris Schofield, who excelled with both bat and ball throughout the campaign. However, he was released at the end of the 2011 season. I was disappointed at the time at the decision, and I still am a bit disappointed, as even though his bowling could be erratic at times, he was a game changer with both bat and ball, and game changers are generally hard to find. The side will most certainly miss his all round abilities, as he was also a fine fielder, but at this time of the year I think seam is the way to go. For many of the games last year, Surrey played just 2 front line seamers, with sometimes 5 spinners in the side. However, Adams has gone with the 3 front line seamers in the squad for the opening game, and 4 against Scotland, with the part time swing of de Bruyn supporting them. In an interview in the last two weeks, RHB has said that he worked hard on his bowling over the winter, so he will also provide a viable option.

Overall, the side does look very strong indeed, and have a good chance in once again doing well in this competition. However, the group stage will be harder this year, as Somerset look a strong outfit, and with only one (possibly 2) teams qualifying for the semi finals from each group, it will be a tough task to get through it. Somerset have named a strong batting line up in their squad, with Kieswetter, Hildreth and the in form Compton included, as well as the up and coming Buttler, who showed how good he was in the final last year. Sadly for the neutrals, Marcus Trescothick is injured for this one, and will possibly miss the Championship game between the sides later this month. Kirby and Hussain also miss out through injury, so the Somerset bowling attack has been stretched. The Overton twins could both make a debut in a young looking attack, which is also missing Vernon Philander who has been rested.

Surrey played Scotland in the 2011 competition and beat them on both occasions. However, they look a professional outfit, with the experience of Majid Haq and the all round abilities of Richie Berrington, who has been signed by Leicestershire on a months loan, but is still able to play for the Saltires in the CB40. A wonderful unbeaten 82 from Matt Spriegel helped Surrey to victory at the Grange last year, and he will want to repeat that and put his name in the hat for a Championship call up.

Surrey Squad

25. Rory Hamilton-Brown (C)

9. Steve Davies (WK)

20. Jason Roy

55. Tom Maynard

1. Jacques Rudolph

58. Zander de Bruyn

28. Matt Spriegel

22. Zafar Ansari (Vs Somerset only)

13. Gareth Batty

18. Stuart Meaker

7. Jon Lewis

16. Jade Dernbach

14. Gary Wilson

12. Tim Linley (Vs Scotland only)

Somerset Squad

Nick Compton

Craig Kieswetter (WK)

Peter Trego

James Hildreth (C)

Jos Buttler

Craig Meschede

Arul Suppiah

Craig Overton

Jamie Overton

Lewis Gregory

George Dockrell

Max Waller

The game starts at 3.40, and is live on Sky Sports, so is a good opportunity to show people how far this team has come in recent times. Come on the Rey!!

Scotland Squad

Fraser Watts

Ryan Flannigan

Callum MacLeod

Jean Symes

Josh Davey

Richie Berrington

Preston Mommsen

Craig Wallace (WK)
Majid Haq

Matthew Parker

Gordon Drummond (C)

Alasdair Evans

Moneeb Iqbal

The game starts at 13.45 on Sunday at the Grange.