Rixon in confident mood

We won't be trying to change the world Steve Rixon

New Surrey manager Steve Rixon has ruled out any major changes at The Oval ahead of the 2004 county season.

"There will be nothing dramatic because there is nothing major to fix," he told BBC London.

"The guys are ready to play the sort of cricket that has made them succesful up to this stage with the idea of being even more succesful."

The Australian has signed a two-year contract to replace Keith Medlycott, who quit after five seasons in charge.

Surrey won the National League and Twenty20 Cup last summer, but only finished third in the Championship after three title triumphs in the four previous years.

Rixon's partnership with new captain Jon Batty will be an important factor in their attempt to regain their position as county cricket's pre-eminent side.

"What I've seen so far is a group of guys prepared to share and enjoy each others company.

"There doesn't appear to be any major hiccups and that is always a good starting point when you first turn up in a new job.

"When I first took on the New Zealand team there were major rifts but I haven't seen any of that at Surrey".

Batty was a surprise choice to replace Adam Hollioake, who will retire from first-class cricket at the end of this summer.

But Rixon is happy with the appointment, saying: "He's certainly fresh in his thoughts and I am positive Jon will do a good job.

"He wants the players to embrace his ideas and buy into them."