da prosport bet： Judging by the imperious batting form displayed by Surrey’s openers today, itis of no surprise that the South London side has been the championship leaderfor so long this season
Andy Jalil06-Sep-2000Judging by the imperious batting form displayed by Surrey’s openers today, itis of no surprise that the South London side has been the championship leaderfor so long this season.The two left-handers, Mark Butcher and Ian Ward, gave a marvellous exhibitionof stroke-play in an unbroken stand of 243 which, by close of play was justtwo short of the Surrey record for the first wicket against Durham.Having decided to make first use of a pitch, just about two tracks away fromthe one on which England clinched that historical victory two days ago,Butcher and Ward, stamped their authority rapidly, playing freely against theDurham bowling that evidently lacked quality. Quite undistracted by the twoearly stoppages for rain, they went about their business unconcerned as theypiled on the runs.An early lunch was taken during the second stoppage and despite the brilliantsunshine in the afternoon, 33 overs were deducted for the time lost.During the last two uninterrupted sessions of play, Butcher and Ward enjoyedthemselves, scoring almost at will against an attack which brought sixbowlers into action and none of them were able to find penetration. The pacebowling, led by Stephen Harmison, was particularly disappointing although itwould be unfair to single him out when the others were so ineffective.Although there were times when Durham’s fielding was of a high standard, bothbatsmen were able to find gaps in the field which brought Butcher 16boundaries from the 250 balls that he faced in his second century of thechampionship. Ward played his third three-figure innings from 232 balls andhit 9 fours. The running between the wickets was excellent but Butcher was,however, close to being run out on 93 when his partner called for a quicksingle.Languishing precariously in the relegation zone of the first division, Durhamcan ill afford to lose this match. In fact, they would be wishing for arepeat of the result of the previous meeting of these two sides, in May, whenthey inflicted on Surrey the first of two defeats this season. But with thesort of bowling that Durham produced today, there was little hope of themcausing any worry to the two centurions.Strangely, Surrey’s other defeat this season was also against a side,Derbyshire, struggling against relegation while Surrey are so happily placed.