Leicestershire sprang a surprise ahead of their Championship match with Surrey at Grace Road today when they left out skipper Paul Nixon.

Tom New was handed the wicket-keeper's gloves a game earlier than planned. Last week County announced that the 24-year-old would takeover from Nixon behind the stumps for Championship games from the end of this month.

However, the 85 not out New made against Kent last week made it difficult for senior coach Tim Boon to leave out the left-hander for the visit of Surrey, the return to fitness of all-rounder Jim Allenby adding to the selection headache.

Though Nixon has produced a couple of staunch rearguard actions this season, he has been short of runs by his own standards, averaging below 22, while New has posted three half-centuries and averages 50.

"Tom has just got 85. The other guys at the top of the order have got runs too so it was appropriate at the moment that we made the change," said Boon.

However, he added: "This doesn't preclude Paul from playing further Championship games this season. There is a lot more cricket for him to play and this is likely to be a one-off game.

"He has been absolutely brilliant about it, too. When we sat down and discussed the team he recognised the reasons why we have made this decision. It is appropriate to play the guys who are scoring runs."

That will be of paramount importance against a powerful Surrey line-up, boosted by their first win of the season when they put Northants to the sword by an innings at the weekend.

Chris Adams's side boast a wealth of international experience and recently augmented that with Queensland all-rounder Ryan Harris. He has temporarily replaced Grant Elliott in the overseas berth, although he is currently struggling with a knee injury and rated as a doubt to face County.

Usman Afzaal hit a maiden double century at Wantage Road and fast bowler Andre Nel also made a considerable impact with a six-wicket haul in the first innings.

Add in the off-spin of Murtaza Hussain and Chris Schofield's leg spin and the visitors have a balanced attack to go with considerable depth in batting.

Boon said. "We know that it is going to be a tough game for us but I will be looking for the guys to bat as well as they did against Kent and get us off to a good start."