By Jon Artman
June 9 2005

Surrey fought back in their innings after Pathan made an entertaining cameo with Ben Scott, who was unbeaten at the end with also a good innings. Teams:

Surrey:

S A Newman, R S Clinton, M R Ramprakash, (capt), G P Thorpe, D J Thornely, A D Brown, J N Batty, (wkt), M P Bicknell, T J Murtagh, Harbhajan Singh, J Ormond,

Middlesex:

B L Hutton, (capt), E T Smith, O A Shah, E C Joyce, A J Strauss, J W M Dalrymple, P N Weekes, I K Pathan, B J M Scott, (wkt), C J C Wright, A Richardson,

Richard Clinton and captain Jon Batty were the main commanders of a Surrey fightback after Pathan made a cameo together with Scott, who was unbeaten at the end on 64. They added an entertaining 98 together, narrowingly missing out on a century partnership. The partnership added vital extra bonus points, and propelled Middx to a competitive score. When the Surrey innings got underway, Richardson managed to make an inroad into the innings, with opener Newman starting quickly but then edging a good ball to captain Ben Hutton, with only 11 runs on the board. But Clinton then led the way with a nice partnership with Ramprakash, who retired hurt after being hit b a ferocious bouncer. Thorpe failed to keep things going though, falling soon after arriving at the crease for 4 runs off Richardson again, caught behind. Then the main partnership of the innings came. Jon Batty joined young Clinton, in a scintillating partnership which was unbeaten at the end of the day and lasted 75 runs. They both played excellent innings, Clinton hitting 11 boundaries all over the ground, frustrating the injury hit bowling attack of Middx. Batty chipped in well and acted as a good anchor, making sure he didnt lose his wicket. Bad light forced play to be ended half an hour short, when Surrey were on a very healthy 157-2. An exciting and decisive third day...