Benefit for Ramps and Gordon

Mark Ramprakash has been one of Surrey's leading players since joining the club © Getty Images

Surrey have announced that 2008 will see Mark Ramprakash and Bill Gordon granted a joint testimonial year, in return for their valuable service to the club.

Ramprakash, who represented England in 52 Test matches, came to Surrey from Middlesex in 2001 and since then, has been one of the leading players at the club.

Currently 37, his first-class career began in 1987 and after more than two decades, he is still improving with age.

Last year, the batsman was awarded the PCA player of the season for scoring 2,278 runs at an average of 103.54, which made him just the fifth player ever to finish the season with an average of over 100.

Upon hearing the news, Ramprakash said: “ I have really enjoyed my time at Surrey and feel extremely lucky to have played with so many great players. To be awarded a benefit year makes me feel very honoured and proud.”

Bill Gordon has been on the Surrey groundstaff since 1964

Gordon, who has been on the Surrey staff since 1964, became head groundsman in 2003 and since then has lead his team to many prestigious awards.

Three times, in 2003, 2005 and 2006, he has won the ECB groundsman of the year award for both the four-day and one-day categories and he also won the four-day category in 2004. Gordon is set to retire at the end of 2010, having completed 46 years of service with the club.

Gordon said: “I am happy to receive this honour as it makes me feel very appreciated. I have been at the club a long time now and to be acknowledged this way is great news.”

Roger Harman, chairman of cricket, commenting on behalf of Surrey added: “Both men have been exceptional servants to the club and are very worthy recipients of a Testimonial year.

Mark has been such a prolific run-scorer over many years, while Bill has shown that he is one of the best groundsmen in the country, as can be seen by his many awards. I wish them all the best next year.”