Stewart start could work in Surrey's favour

Alec Stewart's frustration at being kept on the sidelines could yet be turned to Surrey's advantage.

Stewart is under orders from England coach Duncan Fletcher to sit out the first fortnight of this season and cannot play before Saturday's Benson and Hedges Cup meeting with Essex at The Oval.

That's a long time for a workaholic like Stewart to wait. But, by then, Surrey may be as desperate for a victory as their 38-year-old batsman-wicketkeeper is to start making his mark on this five-month summer.

Fletcher, understandably, believes that England's now veteran No 1 all-rounder needs plenty of rest after a gruelling winter on the sub-continent and before the commencement of a tough international campaign against Pakistan and Australia.

While perfectly willing to comply with the terms of his national contract, old pro Stewart clearly finds it difficult staying away from centre stage.

But at least, thanks to some grim weather, he hasn't missed much action so far. With more rain forecast over the next few days, he could join the group stage of the B&H Cup at a time when Surrey need to beat both Essex and Kent away, next Monday, in order to guarantee qualification for the quarter-finals.