2-day Friendly v Surrey

Strange that Surrey showed such lack of ambition throughout this game, and that it ended in a meaningless session where Sussex had outscored them in combined 60-over and 30-over spells without starting their own 30-over stint. It removed any element of competition which should be present, even in a friendly. But perhaps Surrey don't feel like offering any competition this season. That certainly came across through the repetitive block-5-and-then-have-ago-at-one overs that Burns and Ansari played in both innings, and their bowling was even less demanding. Thank goodness Luke Wright quickly adjusted into his best bully mode and Ben Brown played the first (and later a second) of his usual promising early-season innings.

A pity for such a beautiful day, and also when Robinson was inclined to be experimental, using both triallists in the second innings. Ollie Robinson certainly offered at least one an over to be plundered and his pace was undistinguished, but Nick Harrison was a revelation - much faster than his cricinfo profile suggests (www.espncricinfo.com/england/content/player/410383.html) and much more disciplined. He deservedly got one wicket and might be worth persevering with, especially as Hatchett has joined Anyon on the injury list.

On the evidence that they presented here, Surrey have little motivation to get back into the first division, and the addition of major stars to their dressing room won't change that; indeed it will probably create an atmosphere of resentment.