Surrey in transition - Ramprakash

Mark Ramprakash has hit five Championship centuries this season

Surrey run machine Mark Ramprakash admits that this season's priority has been identifying players who can secure future success for the county.

Surrey currently lie second-bottom in Division Two of the County Championship after last season's relegation.

And Worcestershire duo Steven Davies and Gareth Batty have already been signed for next season.

But Ramprakash says the time is now right for Surrey coach Chris Adams to decide what other changes are needed.

"Chris Adams, coming in as coach, has tried to have a look at a lot of players," Ramprakash told BBC Surrey.

"He needs to make a judgement whether they are good enough to retain."

"I think we've used 26 players in all matches which is a huge amount."

Ramprakash, who turned 40 this week, has frustratedly been forced to miss the end of the season with a broken thumb. But he has been exempt from criticism, having hit 1350 runs in just 11 Championship games at an average of 90.

And, although his runs have come down in the quieter backwaters of Division Two, hitting another five first-class centuries to take his career tally to 108 was good enough to link him strongly with a return to the England team for the crucial final Ashes Test.

But, as a team player, collectively, Ramprakash has been disappointed - and he is looking for the chance to help turn things round at The Oval for a new-look Surrey in 2010.

"Cricket is a game that is hard to get away from statistics at times," he said. "They don't always tell the full story but they give you a good guide, I think.

"For us, this year, the team have really struggled on the field."

"But Chris is looking for players who have the right attitude that he wants to move forward and to build something that lasts for Surrey."