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Saqlain Mushtaq bewildered all the Hampshire batsmen last week who knew from the start that they faced a massive task: 233 runs were required with six wickets remaining on a dry surface that offered considerable turn and low bounce. The little magician finished with six for 44, his third five-wicket haul in four innings.

No longer are terrifying pacemen the most sought after overseas players. Quality finger spinners like Saqlain - and Muttiah Muralitharan - are a better bet. They take more than their quota of wickets, they seldom get injured and, as Saqlain constantly demonstrates, they love bowling.

He only had 90 minutes of work yesterday. For a while Robin Smith and night watchman Peter Hartley, hinted that we might have a contest on our hands. In between being dropped twice, Hartley, hinted that we might have a contest on our hands. In between being dropped twice, Hartley hit a sizzling back-foot drive past a startled Bicknell but once he was LBW to a shooter, Hampshire soon disintegrated.

In Saqlain's next over Adrian Aymes, in his determination to impose himself, top-edged a sweep to deep (though that's not very far at Guildford) square leg.

John Stephenson was equally forthright; he hit Saqlain for a mighty six and four boundaries, three of which were international. The little Pakistani regrouped; he went around the wicket and quickened his pace and soon Stephenson, misjudging the length and stuck on the crease, was bowled.

Saqlain has taken 26 wickets in Surrey's last three games.