Crusaders v Brown Caps - preview

Date released: 1 May 2008

Middlesex Crusaders take on local rivals Surrey Brown Caps in the Friends Provident Trophy at Lord's on Sunday 4 May.

Going into this game, Middlesex sit atop the Friends Provident Trophy south-eastern division, with two matches played and two wins.

Surrey are rock-bottom, having only played one FP Trophy fixture, a 58 run defeat - to Middlesex!

Strauss: has collected man-of-the-match awards at Lord's The Crusaders' England batsmen Andrew Strauss was the hero of that victory at the Brit Oval.

Maestro Strauss

Strauss's 163 runs (a personal, one-day best) from only 130 balls included 23 fours and four sixes. Surrey's former England bowler, Chris Lewis, was Strauss's main victim - his six overs going for 51 runs.

As a result, Strauss currently leads the Professional Cricketers Association's FP Trophy Most Valuable Player table.

Middlesex new boy Gareth Berg helped dismiss the Brown Caps well short of their target too. He went for 50 runs too but his four wicket haul, on debut, played a huge role in the Crusaders' win.

The 27-year-old South African joined Middlesex from club side, Radlett, in the close season. Having been spotted by the Middlesex selectors Berg has made an effective start to the county game.

Ramprakash: Scored runs at will in 2007

Surrey centurions

Three games in to their 2008 competetive season, Surrey have yet to record a victory. Their two LV County Championship matches have ended in draws and their single FP Trophy match ended in that resounding Middlesex win.

Last season's batting hero, Mark Ramprakash already has a century to his name this term, 118 against Lancashire. However, the dancing dervish was rooted out for a duck by the Crusaders' Daniel Evans at The Oval.

Butcher: is on the England batting Honours Board at Lord's England batsman Mark Butcher also clocked a ton in that match against Lancashire, scoring 120.

New signing Usman Afzaal was 134 not out in the same match. The Pakistan left-hander making a solid start to his Surrey career since joining from Northamptonshire.

There are lots of runs in both sides - Middlesex will be keen to press their advantage whereas Surrey will be keen for revenge for that defeat at The Oval. A great match should ensue.