Surrey sign up new Oval deal

Surrey have found a new partner from Down Under - and this one is going to pump more than £2 million into the club over the next five years.

After nearly 15 years associating with Foster's, the county champion's home will now be known as the AMP Oval following 'an exclusive naming rights' deal struck with the Australian financial services company.

Surrey believe they have put together the most valuable sponsor-ship package in cricket history.

In any event, it should significantly boost their plans to give the world's oldest Test venue a look worthy of the 21st century.

Surrey chief executive Paul Sheldon said: "It will greatly assist us in our ambitious redevelopment plan to modernise the ground. Our highest priority is to increase the capacity by 5,000 seats to satisfy the enormous demand for international cricket."

Meanwhile, Mike Atherton is in fine form ahead of the First Test against Australia. The Lancashire opener hit his first century of the season and will resume on 125 when Lancashire resume on 230 for five against Essex at Old Trafford today.