Azhar Mahmood will finally return to action for the Surrey team in their Friends Provident Trophy Match against Sussex at Hove today.

The Pakistani all rounder has had a three week lay-off from first team action, a consequence of a back injury that was sustained during Surrey’s world record Friends Provident Trophy Match against Gloucestershire at the Brit Oval.

Surrey are currently unbeaten after three matches in the South Division of the Friends Provident Trophy and are only three points behind the leaders Kent, who have played five matches.

James Benning will return to the side after scoring an incredible century off only 59 deliveries for the Second team at Taunton last week. The blistering all rounder also took himself one step closer to international honours by acting as England’s 12th Man against the West Indies at Lord’s yesterday. He will return to the side to reunite his opening partnership with Ali Brown whilst the side’s inform batsmen, Mark Ramprakash and Mark Butcher will follow to make up the top order.

Neil Saker and Matthew Nicholson will make up the side’s fast bowling contingent, with the department strengthened by the return of Mahmood. Chris Schofield has joined Nayan Doshi as another spin option available to captain Butcher, with Ian Salisbury taking the opportunity to rest this week to prepare himself for Surrey’s Championship clash against Kent at Whitgift.

Injury News

Jimmy Ormond will unfortunately miss the next two weeks of the season after tearing his hamstring whilst playing for the second team last week. The fast bowler slipped on wet ground and over extended his hamstring after bowling only three overs at Taunton last week. Surrey’s medical team will work hard with Ormond in an attempt to have him back playing the week following the Surrey festival at Whitgift.

Mohammad Akram has been forced out of today’s day/night clash with Sussex after suffering from back spasms, which have been linked to over training last week. He is however expected to be fit for Surrey’s important fixture against Ireland on Sunday.

Alan Butcher has announced the following 12 man squad for today’s match

James Benning
Ali Brown
Mark Ramprakash
Mark Butcher
Rikki Clarke
Azhar Mahmood
Jonathan Batty
Chris Schofield
Neil Saker
Matthew Nicholson
Nayan Doshi
Stewart Walters

As always, ball-by-ball commentary will be available from www.surreycricket.com whilst special features and match highlights can be seen at Surrey’s brand new service, Surrey TV, available from www.surreycricket.tv or by clicking here.

For any Surrey supporters wishing to travel to Cresselly for the Friends Provident Glamorgan match on 28 May, they are strongly advised to contact the Glamorgan County Cricket Club ticket office on 0871 282 3400 to buy their tickets. The Club have reported that there are limited tickets available. Ticket prices are £15 for adults and £8 for Under 16's.

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