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Surrey's thirst for Championship success has not been quenched by their third title in four seasons.

The desire remains to prove themselves the equals of the great Surrey side which were England's top county side for seven successive years from 1952-58.

"We're trying to create out our own niche in Surrey history," said long-serving seam bowler Martin Bicknell.

"We're desperate to keep winning Championships, so we can be compared to that side.

"If we win another couple I think we'll be fairly close, but three in four years is no mean achievement in this era."

Bicknell partnered Ramprakash in a win over Lancashire
Mark Ramprakash has been in superb form with the bat

The 33-year-old has taken more than 900 first-class wickets since making his debut for the county in 1986, but missed a large chunk of this season after breaking his arm.

He accepts that he is under more pressure than ever before to keep on performing well because of the depth of talent in the squad.

"We've got young bowlers coming through and there's competition for places, which is very healthy," Bicknell told BBC Sport Online.

Enthusiasm

"I've got to make sure that at the start of next season I'm fully fit and raring to go. I want to play for Surrey as much as I can - I'm as hungry as ever.

"I was desperate to win this title - and at the start of next season I'm going to be desperate to win another one.

"That's the way it is Surrey. We play some good cricket and we like winning trophies. Why would you want to leave that?"

Adam Hollioake
Hollioake again proved an inspirational skipper

Bicknell paid tribute to captain Adam Hollioake, who produced some inspired performances in the second half of the season after the tragic death of younger brother Ben.

"We wanted to him to come back and we'd sitting at the top of the table, so he could jump straight back in.

"He came back and was a breath of fresh air, coming in and playing a very positive game and adding another dimension to our cricket.

"I wouldn't want to play under anyone else. He's a great leader of men. He's very instinctive, he knows what to do at the right time. He's the best captain I've played under."


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