Ground: The Kia Oval, London
Captain: Rory Burns (CC/ODC), Chris Jordan (T20)
2023 results: CC1: Winners; ODC: 8/9 Group A; T20: Semi-finalists
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Surrey won last summer’s Championship much like they had the previous year, with no one clocking 1,000 runs or 50 wickets but everyone weighing in: 16 players made fifties, six took 20 wickets or more. Collective power is the hallmark of this magnificent Surrey side. They could field two XIs which would compete for the Championship. In the absence of Amla (retired), Pope (England), the Currans (various) and Jamie Overton (injury), there is Sibley, Clark, Worrall, Lawes. Should England hold on to Ben Foakes, then the gloves go to Jamie Smith – scorer of eight first-class hundreds at the age of 23. And Surrey have even had the nerve to poach Dan Lawrence from rivals Essex. Kemar Roach and Sean Abbott return this summer, the West Indies veteran lining up for the first seven four-day matches while Abbott is available across May and June. They will face stiff competition from the likes of Tom Lawes and Gus Atkinson, first and second in the Surrey bowling averages last year.
After reaching Finals Day in 2023, a Championship-T20 double is a distinct possibility for a side teeming with white-ball specialists. Australia all-rounder Aaron Hardie has been signed for a mid-season stint.
Ruthless. That is how I would describe Surey last season. Ruthless with the bat, ruthless with the ball and ruthless in their decision making. They head into the 2024 season with a settled squad and as I said last season, if they play to their potential there is no reason why they cannot make it three Championship titles in a row.
Rory Burns will be the leading run scorer after a quiet 2023. The captain will lead from the front and I have a sneaky feeling he will score a bucket load of runs this season.
Jordan Clark will be the leading wicket taker. The first name on the team sheet (after the captain) is now a wonderful bowler and will have another fantastic summer for Surrey.
TWO TO LOOK OUT FOR
One player I would look out for is Dan Lawrence. We all know about his talent and his “ wrists of gold” and his move to Surrey is fascinating. It could take him to another level in all forms of the game.
