Hampshire's Simon Katich knows Surrey will pose a severe test to his side

The two sides face each other twice in three days

Hampshire batsman Simon Katich believes that the double header with Surrey will be a big test for himself and his team-mates.

The south Londoners travel to the Ageas Bowl on Saturday before hosting the Royals at the Kia Oval on Monday.

“Every game will be tough,” the former Australian opener said. “Every team is very strong.

“We have to travel and play back-to-back, which will obviously test us so it will be a good challenge for the guys.”

Monday’s game will be the first time Surrey will have played at the Kia Oval since Tom Maynard’s tragic death and Katich believes there will be extra motivation for the south Londoners to do well.

“There’s no doubt that Surrey will want to do as well as they possibly can for him,” Katich added.

“But we’ll wait and see what happens.”

Surrey currently sit fifth in the standings but have played at least a game less than their rivals.

They are likely to be without Jade Dernbach as the paceman is on England duty.