By Ben Horne
July 22 2005

Surrey closed on 173 for 2 at the close of play on day three of their County championship match with Kent at Guildofrd. Kent made a massive 572 as Matt Walker and Justin Kemp both hit centuries as they replied to Surrey’s 452 for 8 declared. Day one

Surrey won the toss and decided to bat but Richard Clinton fell early on for a duck. Batty made 50 to leave the lions 105 for 2. Ramprakash and Thorpe then added 133 for the third wicket. Ramprakash was looking set for a century but when on 97 he was caught behind with Cook the bowler. Thorpe and Brown added 98, but Thorpe also fell short of a century as he was bowled by Min Patel for 98. However Brown was not to be denied as he finished the day on 101 not out.

Day Two

Brown could only add 6 to his overnight score. A useful score of 41 from Azhar Mahmood helped Surrey reach 452 for 8 declared.

Kent started well as Fulton and Key put on 58 for the first wicket. Van Jaarsveld (36) and Key (65) helped Kent reach 201 for 3. Walker and Kemp then came together and they hit an unbroken stand of 206 as they both made centuries. Walker made 134 not out, while Kemp scored 114 not out. Kent also scored at a brisk rate as their score at the close of 408 for 4 came from just 78 overs.

Day three

Surrey made an early breakthrough as Mahmood bowled Kemp for 124, ending an 233 partnership. Walker was nest to go as he was finally dismissed for 173 as he was caught by Doshi with Akram the bowler. Hall (24), O’Brien (46) and Patel (27) all hit useful score as Kent were bowled out for a massive total of 572.

Batty and Clinton put on 107 for the first wicket. However they both fell before the close to leave Surrey 173 for 2 with Ramprakash and Graham Thorpe, who today announced his retirement from test Cricket, at the crease.