Hodgson impresses on Surrey debut
Date released: 18 September 2008
As his ex-team-mates are in Gloucestershire, former MCC Young Cricketer Lee Hodgson was making an impressive debut at The Oval against Nottinghamshire.
Hodgson in his YC whites The 22-year-old Hodgson spent over two years at Lord's under the expert tutelage of MCC Head Coach Clive Radley MBE.
He couldn't have asked for a much tougher County Championship debut, playing as part of a youthful Surrey side against title chasing Nottinghamshire at The Oval.
Surrey, also featuring former MCC Universities player Matthew Spriegel, are facing relegation from LV County Championship Division One.
Steady the ship
Opponents Nottinghamshire were looking every inch title contenders when they had the home side rocking at 29-2, with Chris Murtagh and veteran Mark Ramprakash back in the dressing room.
When Hodgson came to the crease Surrey were 126-5, Spriegel the last man out for 11.
Patience pays: Hodgson on his way to a useful 63 The former YC helped steady the ship, forming a useful partnership with the experienced Usman Afzaal.
When Hodgson finally departed for 63, the Surrey score had almost doubled - he helped Surrey to 246-8.
With best bowling figures of 7-32 Hodgson will be keen to show his talents extended beyond patient batting.
Bowling as part of a Surrey attack featuring the world's fastest bowler, Shoaib Akhtar, can only add to the talent Teesider's experience.
Indeed Hodgson and Spriegel teamed up to remove Nottinghamshire's England international, Samit Patel - Hodgson taking the catch from the bowling of the former Loughborough UCCE (University of Cricketing Excellence) captain.
