Cricket

Surrey's pursuit of a third consecutive Division One title hit a minor roadblock as they were forced to settle for a draw against relegation-threatened Nottinghamshire in the Vitality County Championship at Trent Bridge.Despite a record-breaking 10-wicket match haul from teenage off-spinner Farhan Ahmed, Surrey's declaration at 177 for 9 in their second innings left Nottinghamshire with a target of 298 from a minimum 48 overs. The home side responded with a resolute batting display, reaching 121 without loss at the close of play, with openers Haseeb Hameed and Ben Slater both scoring half-centuries.The draw reduces Surrey's lead at the top of the table to 24 points, while Nottinghamshire remain 10 points clear of Lancashire in the battle to avoid relegation.Rory Burns, who had scored 161 in the first innings, added 71 in the second, while Liam Patterson-White finished with five for 94 for Nottinghamshire. However, it was Ahmed who stole the show, becoming the youngest player to take 10 or more wickets in a first-class match in Britain since WG Grace in 1865.Ahmed's remarkable achievement overshadowed the efforts of England off-spinner Will Jacks, who had also taken seven wickets in the first innings. Surrey's decision to declare just shy of an hour after lunch may have been a tactical error, as Nottinghamshire were able to bat cautiously and avoid defeat.Despite the draw, Surrey remain in a strong position to secure the title, while Nottinghamshire's hopes of survival have been boosted.

Rory Burns, fresh off his double-century against Lancashire, continued his impressive form with a commanding 161 as Surrey dominated day one of their Vitality County Championship clash against Nottinghamshire. The champions-elect ended the day on a strong 339 for 5, with Ryan Patel (77) and Will Jacks (59) also contributing valuable runs.However, the spotlight was stolen by 16-year-old offspinner Farhan Ahmed, who made a sensational first-class debut for Nottinghamshire. Ahmed, the younger brother of England prodigy Rehan Ahmed, claimed the wickets of Burns, Ben Foakes, and Jacks, finishing with impressive figures of 4 for 69 from 28 overs.Surrey's innings got off to a solid start, with Burns and Dom Sibley putting on 88 for the first wicket. Sibley was dismissed by Rob Lord, making his first-class debut for Nottinghamshire, but Burns continued to anchor the innings. He reached his fifty off 104 balls and shared a 175-run partnership with Patel, putting Surrey in a commanding position at tea.Patel's innings came to an end when he was caught behind off Ahmed, who also dismissed Burns and Foakes in quick succession. Jacks survived the hat-trick ball but was eventually caught on the long-off boundary, giving Ahmed his fourth scalp.Despite Ahmed's heroics, Surrey remain in a strong position. With half-centuries from Burns, Patel, and Jacks, they have laid a solid foundation for a potential third consecutive title. Nottinghamshire, on the other hand, will need to find a way to break through Surrey's batting order on day two if they want to avoid a heavy defeat.

Farhan Ahmed, the prodigious offspinner and younger sibling of England Test debutant Rehan Ahmed, has inked a three-and-a-half-year contract with Nottinghamshire, marking his first professional deal with the county.At just 16 years of age, Farhan has emerged as a rising star in the English cricket landscape. He has been a standout performer for Nottinghamshire's Second XI, showcasing his exceptional skills and maturity beyond his years."Farhan is an incredibly talented player with immense potential," said Peter Moores, Nottinghamshire's head coach. "He possesses a natural ability and a strong work ethic, which will serve him well as he embarks on his professional journey."Farhan's signing follows in the footsteps of his elder brother, Rehan, who made history as England's youngest Test debutant in December 2022. Like Rehan, Farhan has already represented England at the Under-19 level, participating in the World Cup campaign in South Africa earlier this year."I'm thrilled to have signed this contract with Nottinghamshire," said Farhan. "It's a dream come true to represent my home county and be part of such a prestigious club. I'm eager to learn from the experienced players and contribute to the team's success."Farhan's journey to professional cricket began at Nottinghamshire's academy in 2022. His impressive performances for the county's Under-18s, where he claimed 86 wickets in 57 games, caught the attention of the club's coaching staff."Farhan has been a standout talent in our academy for several years," said Matt Wood, the Elite Pathway Manager. "He's a highly intelligent bowler with a mature approach to the game. We're confident that he has the potential to make a significant impact at the professional level."Farhan's signing is a testament to Nottinghamshire's commitment to developing young talent. The club has a proven track record of nurturing promising players and providing them with the platform to succeed.As Farhan embarks on his professional career, he will undoubtedly face challenges and setbacks. However, with his talent, determination, and the support of Nottinghamshire, he has the potential to become a future star of English cricket.