Surrey and Somerset Draw After Record-Breaking Start and Tense Finish

Surrey and Somerset played out a thrilling draw in a match that featured a record-breaking start and a tense finish.

After rain washed out the first hour of play on the final day, Somerset's lower order batted for over 55 overs to set Surrey an unlikely target of 209 in 19 overs. Surrey's openers, Dan Lawrence and Jamie Smith, responded with a blistering start, scoring 90 runs off the first eight overs.

However, Surrey's momentum was halted by the loss of Smith and Ollie Pope, and they eventually fell short of their target, finishing on 123 for 5. Lawrence top-scored with an unbeaten 53 off 30 balls.

Earlier in the match, Somerset had collapsed to 7 for 20 on the first day, but they recovered thanks to centuries from Matt Renshaw and Tom Lammonby. Lewis Gregory also played a crucial role with two half-centuries, including an unbeaten 80 in the second innings.

For Surrey, Cameron Steel was the standout performer with two five-wicket hauls.

Despite the draw, both teams showed resilience and determination throughout the match. Somerset coach Jason Kerr praised his team's "resilience," while Surrey spinner Steel acknowledged the quality of Somerset's bowling.

Tags: #Surrey, #Somerset, #CountyChampionship, #Cricket, #Draw