Surrey’s opening day against Hampshire at the Kia Oval was a tale of two halves, with the hosts trailing by 28 runs after a dramatic day dominated by swing and seam bowling.
Hampshire, who have been Surrey’s closest challengers in recent years, were dismissed for 151 after being put in to bat. Dan Worrall, Jordan Clark, and Gus Atkinson shared nine wickets between them, with Worrall claiming three in a superb opening spell.
Surrey’s reply got off to a shaky start, with Kyle Abbott and James Fuller dismissing Dom Sibley and Ollie Pope cheaply. Jamie Smith and Dan Lawrence also fell before tea, leaving Surrey reeling at 44 for 4.
However, Ryan Patel and Rory Burns steadied the ship with a 75-run partnership. Patel played some elegant strokes in his 41, while Burns anchored the innings with a gritty 39 not out.
Patel’s dismissal to Mohammad Abbas left Surrey on 123 for 5 at the close of play, still 28 runs behind Hampshire.
