sevendayweekender – Dom Sibley crafted a masterful 305 to help Surrey post their highest-ever first-class total of 820-9 declared. The former England opener batted for nearly 10 hours, facing 475 balls and striking 29 fours and two sixes. His innings was a model of patience, control, and technical excellence.
Surrey resumed day two on 407-3, and Sibley led the charge alongside Dan Lawrence. Together, they added a record-breaking 334 for the fourth wicket against Durham. This partnership laid the foundation for Surrey to surpass their previous best total of 811, set in 1899 against Somerset at the same venue. Sibley became the seventh Surrey batter to score a triple century and joins legends such as Bobby Abel, Sir Jack Hobbs, and Kevin Pietersen on an elite list. His composed innings also placed him as the fourth player to score 300 or more against Durham in a first-class match.
Lawrence and Jacks Deliver Brutal Support Acts
While Sibley was the anchor, Dan Lawrence and Will Jacks provided the firepower. Lawrence began the day on 58 and reached his first-class career-best 178 in just 149 balls. He struck four sixes and 19 fours before slicing a catch to point off Daniel Hogg.
Will Jacks blasted a rapid 119 from just 94 balls, clearing the ropes four times. He shared a 133-run stand with Dom Sibley for the fifth wicket in only 21 overs. His aggressive strokeplay kept the runs flowing and wore down Durham’s already depleted bowling attack. After tea, Jacks attempted a third consecutive six but found a fielder at deep mid-off and was caught. By then, Surrey had already broken their century-old record and set a new benchmark with 820-9 declared.
Drissell Suffers Record-Breaking Bowling Figures
Durham’s bowlers toiled in the heat, with George Drissell suffering the most. The off-spinner ended with figures of 45-1-247-1, the most runs ever conceded in a County Championship innings. He was hammered during the middle session, especially by Lawrence, who struck him for 6, 6, 4 in one over. Drissell’s figures surpassed previous unwanted records and highlighted the toll exacted by Surrey’s batting dominance. Durham sorely missed Ben Raine, who bowled only 10 overs on day one before injury ruled him out of the rest of the innings. Without their experienced seamer, Durham were left vulnerable on a flat pitch and under a blazing sun.
Durham Begin Reply Under Immediate Pressure
Durham’s reply began cautiously but under pressure as Surrey’s bowlers kept things tight. Matt Fisher struck early, bowling Emilio Gay behind his legs for seven with the new ball. Surrey then created two more chances but failed to take them. Alex Lees was dropped on 11 by Jordan Clark at cover, and Will Rhodes survived a slip catch on 12. Lees batted through the evening to finish unbeaten on 33, with Rhodes on 16 at stumps. Durham reached 59-1 after 28 overs, still trailing by 761 runs. With Surrey’s attack already finding movement, day three promises a stiff test for the visitors.
Surrey Push for Victory as Durham Face Uphill Battle
Surrey ended day two firmly in control, with five bonus points secured to Durham’s one. Their bowlers will return on day three with the upper hand and a massive cushion behind them. Durham face the daunting task of surviving two full days and avoiding the follow-on. With over 5,000 schoolchildren in attendance and the crowd behind Surrey, momentum remains with the hosts.Unless Durham’s batters can produce a resistance of Sibley-like proportions, the match may conclude with a convincing Surrey win. The record books have already been rewritten — now Surrey are eyeing a result to match.
