Here’s what you need to know: After breaking records as the first county since Yorkshire in 1968 to snag three back-to-back Championships, the reigning champions are on a roll and have their sights set on a streak reminiscent of Surrey’s golden era in the 1950s. That was when the Brown Hatters clinched seven titles in a row. Year after year, they become the team everyone is eager to defeat, yet they rarely fall short.
Now, Alec Stewart has decided to step down from his role as director of cricket to spend more time with his family. However, he won’t be entirely stepping away—he’ll still have a strong influence in a new part-time position. This means Gareth Batty has a well-oiled machine at his disposal to work with. The international talent at The Oval is certainly impressive, and…