Medlycott rules in Oval office

Surrey coach Keith Medlycott is aiming to become the most successful coach in the game after signing a four-year contract at The Oval.

Medlycott has led Surrey to two successive County Championships and the bookmakers have already installed them as firm favourites for a hat-trick.

Surrey did not have a coach when they won the title seven years in a row between 1952 and 1958. Stuart Surridge was the captain for the first five of those years, followed by Peter May.

Medlycott, whose playing career with Surrey ended prematurely when he lost his bowling action, built up a reputation as a coach in South Africa and the county chose him ahead of better-known candidates.

The 35-year-old from Whitechapel said: "We've been talking about a longer contract for two or three months and it's all been settled. It bodes well for the summer with all their players now re-signed."

The arrival of England seam bowler Ed Giddins has improved the squad further but Medlycott added: "I've never been one for taking things for granted but we've got good players and it's looking rosy."

Surrey are also close to re-engaging Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq as their overseas player.