Kumar Sangakkara on England's summer, Surrey and Zafar Ansari
Surrey take on Somerset at Taunton from 10.55am, Friday, SS2
Thursday 27 April 2017 17:38, UK
Surrey will seek to banish the memory of their shambolic display in last year's Royal London One-Day Cup final when they begin this season's campaign in Friday's Sky Live game at Somerset.
Bowled out for 136 at Lord's as Warwickshire cruised to a seven-wicket victory, the Oval outfit have silverware back in their sights again after a strong start to the County Championship season that sees them top the table after three games.
Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara, who has accumulated 358 runs in four Championship innings so far, shares his thoughts on Surrey's aspirations, new arrivals and how England and Sri Lanka will fare in the Champions Trophy…
Take us back to that final which barely began…
KS: We know we lost because we didn't play as we should have and Warwickshire made us pay for our mistakes. This is a fresh start with a newer team so we'll look to do the basics right from the off against Somerset and play to a plan throughout the tournament that works well for us.
A lot of things did go right last year…
KS: Yes - we bowled smartly more often than not and used the right options in the right situations; our batsmen had long partnerships and scored heavily to get us to a defendable total or over the line.
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Your appetite for runs shows no sign of abating…
KS: As a batsman you try to stay ahead of the competition every game, every week, every month that you play. My approach hasn't changed too much; maybe I'm thinking a bit differently because I know the bowlers and conditions a bit better, which helps give me an edge.
Mark Stoneman's almost outscoring you…
KS: He's an excellent player with a great all-round game; he's good against the moving ball but also has all the shots to attack anything loose. He's a wonderful guy as well and a great addition to our team - grounded and quiet, but when he does say something he talks a lot of sense.
Could he step up to England honours?
KS: I'm sure the selectors are looking at a range of options at the top of the order; if Mark keeps scoring runs then he'll put pressure on them. There's Rory Burns as well, who has been unlucky to miss out on a Lions tour on the last two occasions. Both of them are looking to push through.
Surrey's standout guys are…
KS: Everyone has done well over the last two seasons and we've recruited well. Our bowlers have been very, very solid at the start of this season, especially Mark Footitt. It's been a boost to have Jade Dernbach playing in our four-day side. Tom Curran has been outstanding and Sam is very much on the rise. Everyone has buckled down and done good things for Surrey.
You called Zafar Ansari's decision to retire brave…
KS: He's a very, very talented cricketer and England and Surrey will both miss his services. I think he would have played for England for a very long time. Zaf was always a challenge in the nets and if the wicket is offering any assistance, he made life difficult for a lot of batsmen.
The ICC Champions Trophy winners will be…
KS: England have a great squad; they've got very good balance with very good all-rounders in both spin and pace, which is vital for any successful one-day side. But there are a few sides in the mix. You can never discard India because they play very well in all conditions and, watching their performances in recent Tests, their fast bowlers are bowling very well so that will stand them in good stead here.
The wickets in England always offer some turn as the tournament progresses, so that will bring India back into the game, and South Africa, New Zealand and Australia all play good one-day cricket.
Sri Lanka are my personal favourites; they will compete. It's a young side and we'll have to wait and see how well they play.
Which Sri Lankans should we look out for?
KS: Kusal Mendis has been really good for us and he's a guy to keep an eye on. We also have some young spinners coming through, especially Lakshan Sandakan, the chinaman bowler. We have a strong, balanced squad and hopefully we'll do very well.
Watch Surrey take on Somerset at Taunton in Royal London One-Day Cup action from 10.55am on Friday, on Sky Sports 2.
