County news

Ramprakash awarded Surrey testimonial

Jenny Thompson

August 3, 2007

Ramprakash: In the runs... and the rewards © Martin Williamson

Mark Ramprakash has been awarded a testimonial by Surrey for his endeavours both on and off the pitch. The county usually rewards ten years' service, but Ramprakash has made such an impact that he will be the beneficiary of the honour in only his seventh year with the club.

This fact, coupled with his usual modesty, left him an astonished recipient. "It was a complete surprise," he told Cricinfo. "I'm really, really chuffed and obviously really pleased."

But it was an award that was richly deserved after his prolific form, and tireless dedication to the club in marketing and PR matters. Even during the final stages of Strictly Come Dancing during December, he would regularly give up his own time to present awards for the club.

Ramprakash is keenly aware of how players' form can dip during a benefit or testimonial year - with the extra pressure of events - and has vowed to remain ever-professional. He says he will also use the experience of his benefit year at his former county Middlesex, when he organised a lot of events, to make sure he does not lose his on-pitch focus.

"It's not an easy balance," he admits, "but it depends on the individual. The players want to make the most of the opportunity, but if you're one of the main players, you're still aware of the responsibilities. I will hopefully do some good functions, but not as many as in my benefit. I have to use the time wisely, and rely on my wife [Van] to be understanding. But hopefully I will have some fun with it, too.

"I still have things I want to achieve. I'd still love to get to a final and win one. I haven't given up on that. Success is still important. Personally, I'm aiming for the 100 hundreds. It would be a fantastic thing to achieve before I retire."

Ramprakash has reached 93 first-class centuries to date, and has every chance of succeeding in his latest personal goal, given that he has signed with the county until 2009, and could - like Graeme Hick who has recently extended his contract with Worcestershire at 41 - carry on and on. "Hick has done brilliantly. I'm not saying when I'm going to finish. I'm still enjoying my cricket."

Besides, he's got no clear plan of what he will do after cricket, another reason he is thrilled with the testimonial. "These are very important years for cricketers, financially. I really don't know what I will do next - I don't really have a career; it's not like I've studied."

Surrey have also announced that their head groundsman, Bill Gordon, will be awarded a benefit for his hard work in the last four years in the role at The Oval. Gordon is the three-times winner of the Groundsman of the Year award for both the four-day and one-day categories - and has also won the four-day category in 2004.

He has been on the Surrey staff since 1964 and became Head Groundsman in 2003. He will retire at the end of the 2010, having completed 46 years of service to the club. "I am happy to receive this honour," he said, "as it makes me feel very appreciated."

Jenny Thompson is assistant editor of Cricinfo

© Cricinfo

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