By Ben Horne
August 25 2005

Surrey are in a strong position after day two of their county championship match against Hampshire at the Brit Oval. John Batty made 123 as Surrey were bowled out for 378. Mo Akram then removed both openers to leave Hampshire 28 for 2 at the close. After day was washed out, they game began today. Surrey won the toss and decided to bat, but they were soon in trouble at 6 for 2. Newman and Butcher added 71, with Newman scoring the bulk of the runs. He reached 50 from just 40 balls with 11 fours and was looking set for a century. However when on 71 he was bowled by Dimitri Mascarenhas. Butcher then shared in another big stand of 112, with Batty. Butcher also missed out on a century as he made 75. Batty was not to be denied and recorded his tenth first class century. He went on to make 123 from 212 balls with 20 fours, before falling victim to a run out. Azhar Mahmood helped Surrey push on the scoring rate and was unlucky not to get a half century as he was dismissed for 49. Surrey were finally bowled out for 378, but they will be disappointed not to have clamed full batting points as they lost their final three wickets for no runs.

Mohammad Akram then removed both openers as Hampshire were reduced to 5 for 2.
John Batty continued an excellent day as he calmed the catches of both men. At the close the Hawks reached 28 for 2, with John Crawley and Shane Watson at the crease.