During the second half of last season Hampshire found the form and inspiration which eventually placed them as runners-up for the League title: any ideas they may have had about continuing such domination were rudely halted when they were well beaten by a resurgent Somerset in their opening match of this season. Today's task will be no easier, for this season Surrey can boast one of the most talented sides in county cricket.

During today's tea interval at approximately 4.0 pm Lord's Taverner Sam Kydd (right) reads "Our Village" by Sir Neville Cardus.

Frank Bough introduces the programme, which also includes news of all today's other fixtures: Derby v Gloucestershire, Essex v Leicestershire, Kent v Warwickshire, Lancashire v Northamptonshire, Somerset v Middlesex, Sussex v Nottinghamshire, Yorkshire v Glamorgan