ReportSmith Shines as Surrey Set Essex Daunting Task
Essex 180 (Walter 64, Clark 3-33, Worrall 3-40) and 21 for 2 need another 340 runs to beat Surrey 262 and 278 (Patel 107, Smith 70)
In a top-of-the-table clash at the Kia Oval, Surrey’s impressive batting performances have put them in a commanding position against Essex. Fueled by a brilliant 107-run knock from Ryan Patel and a classy 70 from Jamie Smith, Surrey set Essex a formidable 361-run target to win the match.
Essex’s chase got off to a shaky start, as they lost two early wickets before the close of play. Nick Browne was dismissed for 9, caught by Ben Foakes off Jordan Clark’s bowling, while nightwatchman Eathan Bosch was bowled for 1. Dean Elgar remains unbeaten on 11, as Essex face an uphill task on the final day.
Earlier in the day, Smith once again showed his class, scoring 70 runs and helping Surrey stretch their lead. Despite multiple interruptions due to bad light and rain, the 23-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman displayed sublime strokemaking skills, with his booming extra cover drive and gorgeous on-drive being the highlights.
Patel’s late heroics were crucial in taking Surrey’s lead past 360. The 26-year-old all-rounder thumped two sixes off Shane Snater and smashed 15 fours in his 125-ball innings, including a stunning straight drive off Matt Critchley to bring up his fourth first-class century.
The match’s turning point came when Patel and Jordan Clark added 65 runs for the seventh wicket, denying Essex a way back into the game. Despite losing their last two wickets quickly, Surrey’s overall effort has put them in a strong position to secure their sixth win of the season and stretch their lead at the top of the Vitality County Championship Division One table.
“The match’s turning point came when Patel and Jordan Clark added 65 runs for the seventh wicket, denying Essex a way back into the game.”
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