New boy Brown leads Surrey

Scott Newman and stand-in captain Michael Brown open the batting against Bradford/Leeds UCCE

Surrey begin life in Division Two of the LV= County Championship without leading batsman Mark Ramprakash, who is suspended for the first two matches of the season.

His absence, and that of captain Mark Butcher with an ongoing knee injury, means debutant Michael Brown skippers Surrey against Gloucestershire at the Brit Oval.

Brown, who joined from Hampshire in the winter, has stood in as captain in pre-season matches.

Ramprakash was banned for two matches and fined £1,500 for using abusive language towards an umpire after an altercation with Murray Goodwin in last year’s championship match at the Brit Oval in August.

Andre Nel is set to make his debut for the county. The former South Africa fast bowler, who has had previous spells at Northamptonshire and Essex, is named in a 13-man squad.

All-rounder Chris Jordan faces a fitness test tomorrow morning to determine his involvement in the match.

Opening batsman Gary Wilson is away with Ireland in the World Cup qualifiers, meaning Matthew Spriegel could open with Brown. Scott Newman is left out.

New Surrey director of cricket Chris Adams said: “This squad represents a fresh new look and will give us the right blend of experience and youth.

“It also gives us a good number of options when we come to down to pick the final XI on Wednesday morning.

"When I came to the club I said I would provide opportunities for people to play and this squad does that. We are very much at the beginning of our journey and now is the time for the players that have been selected to show everyone what they can do and take their opportunities when they present themselves.

“There is tremendous belief within the camp - the challenge now is to carry that belief into the playing arena.”

James Franklin has returned to Gloucestershire following a successful stint in 2004

Gloucestershire are boosted by the availability of overseas player James Franklin, who arrived in England on Saturday.

The 28-year-old New Zealand all-rounder is beginning his second stint at Bristol, having previously featured for the club in 2004.

“James trained with us on Monday and is raring to go,” skipper Alex Gidman told Gloucestershire’s official website.

“I think it is a really good first game for us. Surrey have made a lot of changes so it might be the right time to play them.”

Young seamer Ian Saxelby is included in the 12-man squad after impressing in pre-season and there is also a place for left-arm spinner Vikram Banerjee.

Gidman added: “Ian has been hitting the pitch hard in pre-season matches and seems to be in a good rhythm, while Vikram has also taken wickets and is looking to forge a regular place in the side.

“It wasn't easy selecting the 12 because a number of other players have impressed. It was by no means cut and dried, but I feel we have come up with a well balanced team.”