Adams Makes Changes as Surrey Head for Guildford

14 July 2009

Stewart Walters will captain a changed Surrey side if Mark Butcher is not fit to take the field against Essex in the Guildford Festival in association with J.M. Finn & Co.

If called upon to lead, it will be the second time Walters has captained the side this year after skippering Surrey Brown Caps in a Twenty20 Cup match at Beckenham against Kent Spitfires at the end of June. He has significant experience of captaining sides, having frequently led the Second XI in recent seasons and captained both Midland Guildford CC and Perth CC in the Western Australian grade league.

Joining him in a different looking squad to that which recently drew with Kent at the Brit Oval are Simon King, Chris Murtagh, Tim Linley and Andre Nel. King, Murtagh and Linley have all been impressive for Surrey’s unbeaten Second XI Championship side this season and now get the chance to stake a claim in the First XI. Nel returns to the squad after tight hamstrings kept him out of the Kent draw.

The full Surrey side to play Essex in the Liverpool Victoria County Championship at the Guildford Festival in association with J.M. Finn & Co. from Wednesday 15th to Saturday 18th July is:

Speaking at Guildford today, Surrey’s Professional Cricket Manager Chris Adams said: “If we decide that Mark is unable to play tomorrow morning, I am more than confident of Stewart’s ability to the lead over the next four days.

“I am also confident that the three guys we have brought into the squad will be able to immediately perform at the highest level. So far this season, they have all impressed me, both in the Second XI and when given opportunities at the top level.

“It is always good to play at out grounds in front of close knit, passionate crowds and I look forward to giving our Guildford fans something to shout about over the next four days.”

Live ball by ball commentary, courtesy of BBC London 94.9, will be provided on the game on www.surreycricket.com and full highlights of each day’s play will also be available on the site shortly after close on each day.

Tickets for each day will be available at the door of the ground, priced £12 for adults and £6 for children.

Tickets are also still available for Sunday's NatWest Pro40 game between Surrey Brown Caps and Middlesex Panthers. Click here for more information.