Marcus Hook’s Surrey CCC column: Rory Burns poor record at the toss not aiding in pursuit of County Championship wins

The London derby was a great advertisement for championship cricket – even if it did underline, for a second week running, Surrey’s frustrations with the weather.

When you start the final day 165 runs ahead, the last thing you’re thinking is we might end up losing this. As it was, Middlesex nearly pulled off a dramatic victory after being set 290 in just over two sessions.

Despite predicting that Nick Gubbins would be the key man for Middlesex, it gave me no satisfaction to see him make 124. Only when he departed with 47 more needed, could Surrey breathe a sigh of relief.

With weather around, it was no surprise that whichever team won the toss would be looking to chase down a target in the fourth innings.

Whereas Rory Burns has been a rock with the bat, his record at the toss – just a single one won out of seven – has not helped Surrey’s cause this season.

With Burns, along with Foakes and Pope, entering England’s Test bubble, the reins will now be handed to someone else. Rikki Clarke stood in as captain last summer, but the sage-like Hashim Amla would be a logical choice.

The bottom line is the Gloucestershire game is a must-win. But with the cream of Surrey’s batting missing due to the start of the England v New Zealand Test series, the two sides will be evenly matched.

The hope is that IPL returnees Sam Curran, Tom Curran and Jason Roy will be eligible. If they aren’t, Surrey will really miss Kemar Roach.

The balls he produced to break through the defences of Handscomb and Cullen in Middlesex’s first innings were just exquisite.

Despite playing just five games, the Barbadian departs as a fans’ favourite, along with the promise that he’ll have no hesitation if he gets the call from Surrey next season.

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD