It was inevitable that the pathetic 131 in the first innings was going to cost Surrey, and although their fightback with the bat was a worthy effort, the untimely loss of Scott Newman just before the close on Thursday night meant a great final session became only a good one, when great was the only thing that would have done.

Yesterday Surrey took their lead past 200, with a half century from Afzaal, but the wickets did not fall early in the Derbyshire run chase, and the home team need 70 to win with 8 wickets in hand.

The Surrey situation can’t be solved in a week or a month. I’m no fan of Adams, as you can tell, but even if I were, I wouldn’t be expecting miracles just yet. I don’t understand sticking Laurie Evans in at number 3, which seemed odd to me, when Afzaal and Batty have opened in the not too distant past and are more suited to the role than a rookie. I am not so perturbed about the bowling at second division level, but if you are given pathetic totals to defend, what else can you expect?

It has not been an impressive start. I’ll be off to The Oval a week on Thursday to see a days play against Middlesex, and I fear for us. It may be a chance to see the new phenom Philip Hughes, but I’d much rather watch Ramps bat all day, cheers.