It's early days yet. I remember Surrey's first relegation, when we were short odds favouties to bounce straight back in 2006. We had the worst of a draw with Derbyshire at The Oval in the first game, but ended up winning the Division 2 title with plenty to spare.

I'm not surprised to see Kent's good start against Yorks. Rob Key remains one of the best four opening bats in England when he's anywhere near his best, along with Cook, Strauss & Trescothick. His new partner Scott Newman is a very gifted batsman who lost his way during Surrey's years in the doldrums, and failed to rediscover his mojo in a loan spell at Notts followed by two years at Middlesex, despite helping them back into the top division.

Circus cricket.

Yes indeed, but circus cricket that we're involved in.

Gary Keedy leaves Lancs to go to Surrey. I cry.

I've always rated Keedy over the years - best uncapped English player of his generation etc.

After my initial surprise I'm very happy with this signing. We're clearly looking for a top order batsman as our main overseas player, so Keedy seems like an ideal replacement for Murali Kartik (the best spinner I saw in the Championship last season) who is only one year younger, and a good foil for Gareth Batty. Furthermore it can surely only benefit our two young left arm spinners Zafar Ansari and Freddie van den Bergh to have someone like Keedy to mentor them.

Ricky Ponting will retire after this test match against SA.

Great player, but he's one of those that you just don't like. Gilchrist was always the same.