Date-stamped : 11 May97 - 02:16 Bicknell conjures up a class act for Lloyd By Neil Hallam at Derby Third day of four: Derbys (113-2) trail Surrey (267) by 154 runs AT least nine players in action at the County Ground yesterday might reasonably be considered likely subjects for the scrutiny of England coach David Lloyd, who patrolled throughout in a long, winter-weight overcoat. But it was Martin Bicknell, rarely mentioned as a candidate for patriotic service these days, who provided the class of the contest to give Surrey room to manouevre in any attempt to contrive a positive outcome to a rain-blighted contest today. None of Surrey`s batsmen looked more assured than the younger Bicknell on a pitch of variable bounce, his 74 from 116 balls rescuing them from 134 for seven after they had opted to bat first and all but enabling the last three wickets to double their score. Nor did Surrey`s other bowlers look as lively and resourceful as Bicknell, who had Adrian Rollins held at second slip off the second ball of the innings, pinned Chris Adams in front in his third over and had several moral victories before Gul Khan and Dean Jones mounted Derbyshire`s recovery. After two washed-out days under the covers, the pitch offered much to encourage the Derbyshire seamers and Surrey were indebted to Graham Thorpe, whose six previous innings this season had yielded only 102 runs, for grafting them out of crisis at 16 for three. Thorpe made 83 from 171 balls, with six fours, before going back and being trapped leg before by the leg-spin of Vince Clarke and leaving Bicknell to secure a second batting point with some intelligent footwork and assured shot selection. Source :: The Electronic Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/) Jones backs Malcolm for England By Neil Hallam at Derby Final day: Derby (158 - 3) drew with Surrey (267) DEVON MALCOLM, who has improved his personal productivity figures in each of the last three seasons, insists he is "totally focused" on beating last summer`s record yield of 82 wickets in first-class cricket this year, despite a hectic testimonial programme. That total focus has not, however, made him oblivious of the fact that all three England selectors and coach David Lloyd have turned up at Derbyshire matches already this season. David Graveney, the chairman, saw Malcolm wreck Kent`s first innings with six for 74 in Derbyshire`s first championship match of the season. And Graham Gooch, Mike Gatting and Lloyd have all been at Derby this week, where Malcolm generated high pace on an easy-paced pitch to claim four for 95 against Surrey - including the wicket of England`s current No 1 batsman Alec Stewart. "I take a lot of hope from the fact that they must be aware that I am fit and in good form," Malcolm said, "because I am confident I could do the job England need against the Australians this summer. "I know it all went sour for me in South Africa the winter before last, but that is history and I have risen above that business with Ray Illingworth. Life is too short for bitterness, there is a new England management now and I just want to wipe the slate clean and be judged on performances. "I`m sure the Australians would much rather play against England without me in the side and if anybody doubts that then they should talk to my captain Dean Jones. Age doesn`t come into it. I still have a young body and plenty of fire left in me." Jones said he "would have Devon in the England side every time" and added: "I love the guy because he keeps himself supremely fit, works hard, bowls like the wind and gives the team great support on and off the field. "I can`t see England using him in the one-day stuff but for my money he should be automatic for the Tests, especially on grounds where there`s a bit in it for the quicks - which means everywhere but Trent Bridge." Only 50 minutes of play were possible yesterday, with Gul Khan making his maiden championship half-century to take Derbyshire to 158 for three before a violent storm hurled off the covers, sent dustbins flying around the ground and enforced a draw. Source :: The Electronic Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/) Contributed by The Management (help@cricinfo.com)