Middlesex v Surrey - preview

Date released: 29 June 2009

Middlesex switch to the longer format as they take on cross-river rivals Surrey in the LV County Championship Division Two from 30 June - 3 July.

Middlesex have struggled so far this season, enduring a torrid Twenty20 Cup season which saw them finish bottom of the South Division in a competition in which they were defending their title.

Near neighbours Surrey had a similar Twenty20 campaign, ending with just two wins from ten matches. Both teams will be hoping the change of format will result in a change of fortunes.

The home side have had the edge over visitors Surrey recently. One of Middlesex's two Twenty20 wins was over the Brown Caps.

The reverse fixture in the County Championship, at The Oval, ended in a thrilling draw with Middlesex just a few runs away from stealing a victory.

The Middlesex stars on that day included Australia Test batsman Phil Hughes who scored a massive 195 in the first innings, adding 57 from just 46 balls in the second too. Hughes is back in the country, after heading home in May and back at Lord's soon - but will be focussed on Australia's Ashes campaign rather than Middlesex.

Out to prove a point: Owais Shah A bonus for Middlesex is Owais Shah has been left out of England's Ashes preparations. The talented batsman blasted 61 from just 41 balls in that Twenty20 win over Surrey - just five days after the Ashes squad was announced.

Surrey's former England batsman Mark Ramprakash always gets a warm reception when he returns to Lord's. The Lord's crowd may well find themselves applauding Ramprakash again during his innings if his good form with the bat continues.

Crowd favourite: Mark Ramprakash Surrey will also include former South Africa Test player Andre Nel. The seam contest between Nel and Middlesex's England hopeful's Steve Finn could play a crucial role in the result.

It should be a thoroughly entertaining contest. Come and enjoy the summer sunshine and some cricket at Lord's - tickets are available on the gates at just £15 or just £5 for adults on the fourth day - free for kids and over-65s!