Surrey County Cricket Club has announced that 2008 will see Mark Ramprakash and Bill Gordon granted a joint Testimonial year, in return for their long-standing service to the Club.

Ramprakash, who has 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 “Ramps” 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.

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 will retire at the end of the 2010, having completed 46 years of service to the Club.

Mark Ramprakash, upon hearing the news 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.”

In addition, Gordon added, “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 said, “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 Groundsman in the country as can be seen by his many awards. I wish them all the best next year.”

To see Mark Ramprakash's player profile, click here.

Add to Del.icio.us Digg it share on Facebook (What is this?)

• Get the Surrey CCC County Shirt, 07/08, Adults, Ivory/Brown