Alec Stewart, Surrey’s acting director of cricket, hit back at criticisms of the club’s selection policy after a derby defeat by Middlesex which plunged them deeper into relegation danger.
Surrey collapsed for a second day in a row, with Middlesex spinner Ollie Rayner taking 15 wickets in the match, putting Stewart’s team under more pressure ahead of their game at fellow relegation contenders Somerset next week.
Questions have been asked about the elderly nature of Surrey’s side and a perceived failure to nurture younger players.
“Do you just pick people because they are young?” Stewart asked. “If they are not playing well enough, do you pick them? You go in with a weaker side?
“It’s all opinions. But the opinions that count are in there [the dressing room].
"You’re entitled to write your thoughts on how you see things. And we’ll do what we believe is right. That’s how it’s always been.”
The former England wicketkeeper also took exception to the club being described as big-spending.
He said: “This club is a big club. Everyone works under the same salary cap.
"When it’s said ‘Surrey are big spenders’, we can’t spend any more money on players than the other 17 counties.
"It’s a very well-run club and they should be credited for that; the way we sell out the Twenty20s and everything else.”
Stewart also praised the groundsman for the pitch, even though Rayner took advantage after Surrey lost the toss.
Spin was again the major weapon on Thursday. First, Surrey’s Gareth Batty picked up three wickets before Middlesex declared with a lead of 384.
Surrey initially battled well in their second innings with Hashim Amla and Steven Davies compiling an 86-run stand that took the score to 188 for four.
Once that partnership was broken though, Surrey capitulated.
The match looked to be heading into a fourth day – with rain forecast – when Surrey were 207 for five, but they imploded to 212 for nine, ensuring Middlesex secured a convincing victory.
