Chris Adams has told his Surrey team to buck the trend against Middlesex as they return to first class action against their London rivals this week.

Surrey have not won a first class game at Lord’s for more than eight years.

Adam’s side recorded an impressive win against Sussex on their return to the County Championship Division One, beating them by 86 runs last week.

Tom Maynard top scored in the first innings with 86, with captain Rory Hamilton-Brown, of Wandsworth, hitting an impressive 89 in the second innings.

Cricket manager Adams was happy to start the season with a win but warned against complacency against Middlesex.

“It was a tough game. I expected us to win though and there were no nerves from me. Sussex gave us an idea of the style of cricket which is played in Division One,” he said.

“No one person stood out for me. The captain lead well and played an outstanding innings in the context of the game.

“It was a thorough team effort.

“But we are not getting ahead of ourselves.

“We have been totally thorough in our preparation for the game against Middlesex this week and they will present us with a new set of challenges.

“Our recent record against them is not good and that is something we will be looking to change over the four days at Lord’s.”

Vice captain Steven Davies is back after being away with England in Sri Lanka and the Surrey wicket keeper is looking forward to getting back into county action again.

“I am very excited for the season. We have a local derby against Middlesex this week so it should be a good one,” he said.

“They beat us last year, so hopefully we can turn the tables this year.

“It was great to see the boys get the perfect start and get some early momentum going for the whole season.”