Depleted Surrey spin out of control
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.DAVID LLEWELLYN
reports from The Oval
Surrey 437 and 203 Essex 493 and 151-3 Essex win by seven wickets
Surrey are in danger of going into an uncontrollable spin and nose-diving into misery. Their fifth Championship defeat in their last seven matches - the other two were draws - leaves the perennially potential high-fliers firmly grounded at the bottom of the table.
The gleam of possible silverware fades. Only the NatWest Trophy remains for them to salvage something from this their 150th anniversary. And even that does not look too great. They have to take on Middlesex without their captain, Alec Stewart, whose injured right index finger may well keep him out of their next Championship match against Nottinghamshire in nine days' time.
Stewart is the latest in an already long list of injuries that is afflicting Surrey. Martin Bicknell, a key member of the attack, undergoes an operation this week to sort out a hamstring problem. Tony Pigott has a groin strain but is likely to have to play against Middlesex.
They are close to signing the former Sussex all-rounder, John North, which will bring some much-needed cover to their depleted ranks, but what they need is a win to restore confidence.
It was spin which unravelled their second innings yesterday as Peter Such and the veteran John Childs wheeled away for a total of 80 overs. The off-spinner Such picked up five for 79 - his wicket-taking spell spanning just over 13 overs during which he conceded 22 runs. Childs's slow left arm took advantage of the rough and his 44 overs produced 4 for 55. The pair's efforts restricted Surrey to an inadequate 147 advantage.
Home hopes were raised briefly when the slow left arm spinner Richard Nowell snapped up three wickets for five in 14 balls. The first Nowell victim was Graham Gooch chopping on; next came Nasser Hussain, bowled round his legs, followed by Darren Robinson, who swung a full toss down Alex Tudor's throat out in the deep.
After that Mark Waugh (59 not out) and Ronnie Irani (61 not out), who both scored first innings centuries, added an untroubled 125 to steer Essex home to maximum points.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments