SURREY have long been known as the ‘Manchester United of cricket’, such is their financial power and history of success. Yet last season they were more like Manchester City as they cantered to their first County Championship title in 17 years by a whopping 48 points.
Just one defeat came all summer in red-ball cricket and that in the final game – against Essex – by one wicket. To say they were outstanding was an understatement as the wickets of Morne Morkel – probably the shrewdest Kolpak signing in history – and the runs of captain Rory Burns helped them sweep all before them.
Yet this summer promises something different. Even though Surrey have arguably strengthened their squad with the signings of Liam Plunkett from Yorkshire and all-rounder Jordan Clark from Lancashire, things may get a little bit stretched at The Oval as England call-ups bite.
Plunkett, Jason Roy and Tom Curran will all probably be missing for the World Cup and the build-up that begins in early May. With England promising to look at their options during the five-match ODI series against Pakistan that precedes the tournament, Sam Curran could also be missing as well.
This story is from the April 05,2019 edition of The Cricket Paper.
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This story is from the April 05,2019 edition of The Cricket Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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