Surrey took a first-innings lead over Somerset on day two of their Specsavers County Championship match at the Kia Oval. Rory Burns proved absolutely pivotal with the quality of his innings. Burns scored a match turning 76 runs, anchoring the innings that carried Surrey to 321-7. The team’s solid batting effort allowed them to surpass Somerset’s first-innings score of 283 runs.
On a day teaming with sensational displays, Burns and Dominic Sibley put together a rocky start to lay down a terrifying opening partnership. The pair shared a 129-run opening partnership with Sibley scoring 53 runs. Sibley notched his fifth half-century in a solid 151 deliveries, displaying his temperament and technique at the wicket.
Though Burns was the backbone of the innings, Jamie Smith and Ben Foakes supplied useful efforts for Surrey. Smith’s destructive 58 runs helped his side’s cause, as did Foakes with his 42 which left Surrey as firm favourites to win the match. The team’s strength with the bat turned out to be a blessing as they quickly established and then extended their lead.
Somerset captain Tom Abell, and his fellow bowlers attack did their best to respond and take those all-important wickets. Ollie Pope fell victim to Abell’s leadership when he was bowled, adding pressure to Surrey’s innings. It was a key breakthrough for Somerset when Josh Davey finally found a way through to remove Rory Burns. Gregory was influential for Somerset with the ball, taking 3 for 46.
Somerset had already laid down a marker with their first-innings total of 283. Opener Tom Lammonby was the pick of the batting for them with a fine 76 as he and Lewis Gregory (62) were primarily responsible for setting an early platform. Somerset found it difficult to build on the early charge against an all-out Surrey, bent on revenge side.
In the bowling department, it was Jordan Clark who stole the show for Somerset, with figures of 5-68. His joint efforts with fellow spinner Jack Carse to stem Surrey’s flow of runs was crucial in the death overs of the innings.
If Surrey provide an example of a strong batting performance, they don’t help themselves with the way they bowl to claim wickets. Consequently, they’re put in a winning position as the game evolves. The team’s capacity for calm assertiveness on big moments will be key as they attempt to hold onto or add to their newfound advantage.
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