Match report day 1: Surrey v Lancs in Championship 2003 by Neil Adams

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Scorecard:

Surrey v Lancashire

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Summary for Day 1

On a beautiful sunny day, with an immaculate pitch in the waiting, never can the correct call of a coin have been so crucial. Win the toss and make "hay" lose the toss and expect a long hard toil in the field. Thankfully, Warren Hegg called correctly and gestured from the edge of the pitch using the back of his hand. Surrey lacked any depth in their bowling line-up - no Martin Bicknell, Azhar Mahmood, or James Ormond. Also missing through injury, or being rested were Mark Butcher and Alec Stewart. Lancashire dominated proceedings from the first over until the last ball. Surrey appeared dispirited and clueless by the close. They were not helped by an injury to Saqlain, a careless drop in the gully by Tudor when Law was on 12, and a perfect batting strip. Lancashire survived the third session of the day without losing a wicket - something which they never managed in all of their 2002 Championship matches.

 

Bowling Performance of the Day

Despite using 6 different bowlers, Surrey's attack remained totally ineffectual. With only two pace bowlers, the onus rested with Alex Tudor. He never shifted out of neutral gear. Saqlain did manage 22 overs for 78 runs and captured the only genuine wicket of the day.

 

Batting Performance of the Day

All four players contributed with the bat - Swann 57, Sutcliffe 70, Law 129*, and Loye 104*. Sutcliffe hit some beautiful straight drives, Swann was very composed, Loye struggled slightly as he tried to consistently dominate the bowlers, but regularly mis-timed the ball, or found a fielder. Law batted in a classy manner, and took full advantage of Tudor's drop.

 

Fielding Performance of the Day

Only Mark Ramprakash stood out in the Surrey team. If his endeavour had been matched by all, then Surrey would have conceded fewer runs and captured a couple more wickets. Alex Tudor reacted well during the run out of Alec Swann - he swooped on the ball after Sutcliffe pushed the ball into the leg side. His throw to the bowler allowed just enough time for Salisbury to remove the bails.

 

Highlight of the Day

Winning the toss, the unbroken partnership of 222 between Loye and Law, and the overjoyed reaction of Mal Loye when he reached 100.

 

Lowlight of the Day

Alec Swann was dismissed for the second consecutive year courtesy of a run out in Lancashire's first innings at the Oval. He really does need to improve on this part of his game.

 

Contentious Discussion Point of the Day

Was Alec Swann really run out? Opinion seemed to be divided amongst those supporters at the ground, and umpire Holder did hesitate for a couple of seconds.

 

Key Notes of the Day

• 50 partnership between Swann and Sutcliffe posted in the 16th over
• Swann 50 in the 24th over
• 100 partnership between Swann and Sutcliffe posted in the 26th over
• 108-1 Swann run out for 57 in the 28th over
• Lunch 121-1 after 33 overs Sutcliffe 47* Loye 7*
• Sutcliffe 50 in the 34th over 126-1
• 150-1 in the 42nd over - Sutcliffe 62* Loye 17*
• 50 partnership between Sutcliffe and Loye posted in the 43rd over
• 169-2 Sutcliffe lbw Saqlain for 70 in the 45th over
• Tudor drops Law (12) in the 52nd over with the score on 196-2
• 50 partnership between Law and Loye posted in the 59th over 220-2
• Loye 50 in the 59th over 225-2
• Tea 265-2 after 72 overs Law 54* Loye 61* - Session 144-1
• 100 Partnership between Law and Loye posted in the 74th over
• 150 Partnership between Law and Loye posted in the 89th over
• Law 100 from 156 balls - 345-2 in the 93rd over
• 200 Partnership between Law and Loye posted in the 98th over
• Loye 100 from 210 balls - 376-2 in the 99th over
• Close of play 391-2 from 104 overs Law 129* Loye 104*
• Partnership unbroken on 222. Session 126-0

 

(Article: Copyright © 2004 Neil Adams http://www.cricketimages.co.uk/adams-report/intro.html)