Dom Sibley delivered a remarkable performance for Surrey, scoring an unbeaten 103 runs, which significantly impacted the match against Warwickshire. His scintillating innings helped Surrey declare at 391-8, leaving their opponents a daunting target of 390 runs. That was a tough match, very competitive fixture. Sibley was instrumental to this effort, taking Surrey to within 11 points of victory.
In the course of his innings, Sibley hit five fours and two sixes including five consecutive balls off bowler Olly Hannon-Dalby. This show of power was the first of any kind in Sibley’s first-class career, having never previously hit a four or six. The aggressive batting style contributed to quickening up Surrey’s declaration, leaving Warwickshire the pressure of chasing down the runs.
Sibley completed his century with a decidedly more elegant dabbed reverse sweep for two runs off the off-spinning Yates. This milestone was even more special as it was Sibley’s fourth championship hundred of the season. He’d retired hurt with 64 runs, thanks to a groin injury. His innings picked up where it left off on the shortened third day.
So when Sibley had a second chance to bat, after the fall of the sixth wicket, he looked towards his captain, Rory Burns and asked for help. Burns volunteered to be Sibley’s runner. This combined effort was a formula for success, as Sibley went on to show tough character and technique on the other side of the wicket. He built a vital alliance with Tom Lawes, bringing up a useful 52 runs for the eighth wicket. This increased Surrey’s lead and further established his place as the center stage performer of the contest.
Sibley’s score of 103 not out was notable, not least because he made it from 391 balls. Only it never happened, because play was interrupted before he could lose. His grit was on full display during his rousing performance. He gave Warwickshire a tough target to chase.
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