Welcome back...

When Surrey County Cricket Club celebrated its 175th anniversary back in 2020, members and former players were invited to submit their all time favourite list of players. Bearing in mind some of the great names who have played for, and led the side over the years, it said a lot for the high regard in which Adam Hollioake is held that he was named as the captain of this fantasy side.

As skipper at the turn of the century he brought to an end a long trophy drought, culminating in three championship titles in the space of four years. Tragically during this time his hugely talented younger brother Ben, another Surrey and England player, was killed in a car crash, which led to Adam retiring from the game in 2004. In 2007 he made a brief return to t20 cricket, playing a handful of games for Essex.

This morning before play started in the top of the table clash between Surrey and Essex it was great to see this very popular man helping out with home side's warm up drills, and being greeted with obvious affection by members of the visiting playing and coaching staff. I don't know whether there are any plans for him to return to the Oval on a full time basis, but I know it would be a move welcomed by all members.