Surrey bowled exceptionally on the opening day of their county championship match against Warwickshire at the Kia Oval. Only 14 wickets fell in the exciting match. Surrey’s Tom Lawes was the pick of the bowlers, his five-over spell of 3-6 putting him at the forefront. This magnificent exhibition served to put Surrey in the ascendency early on, after having scored 246 runs first innings.
It became a day of high drama as Surrey batted first and rarely looked like putting on a challenging total. Home favourite Ryan Patel was the star of the show, making 72* runs off 67 balls. His innings was punctuated by boundaries all-round the ground, but it was a potent combination of aggression and maturity. After Patel, Rocks’ Rory Burns and Ollie Pope both made 50+ runs to steer their side to a total of 257.
Warwickshire’s bowlers weren’t going to go down without a fight. Nathan Gilchrist was particularly impressive taking 3 for 51. On the other hand, Ed Barnard and Ethan Bamber each took 2 wickets, with Barnard finishing with 2-42 and Bamber not far behind at 2-47. Their play provided meaningful pressure on the Flames, limiting Surrey’s scoring opportunities and making sure the home side wouldn’t be able to run away with it.
As Warwickshire set about their reply they were under the threat of immediate pressure from the Surrey bowlers. Tom Lawes was in super form with the ball, returning figures of 3-30. This early breakthrough put Warwickshire on the back foot as they floundered in search of their rhythm at the crease.
At the end of Day One Warwickshire were 132-4. Ed Barnard was not out at 48, with Will Young 35 not out. The team’s behind Surrey by 114 runs, making for a deliciously compelling second day.
Surrey’s pace attack now has a key test ahead of them. They have to be able to return with just as much gusto on the second morning. This will greatly increase their likelihood of obtaining a larger advantage in the game. The result is still up in the air as both sides hope to make the most of their advantages.
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