Amla Masterclass Guides Surrey to Draw

Amla demonstrated incredible restraint to repel an attack that bowled an incredible 64 maidens and over 500 dot balls in an glacial innings where the hosts were made to pay dearly for three dropped catches.

Amla scored just three runs from the first 100 balls he faced and did not find the boundary rope until the 125th ball of his brave vigil, where he took three heavy blows to the body that had many traditionalists at the Ageas Bowl purring.

Hampshire’s attack bowled tirelessly but were left to rue the dropped chances – including a simple opportunity grassed by Ian Holland at leg slip 17 overs from the close when Amla was put down off the admirable Keith Barker, who finished with figures of 3-9 from 22 overs.

Following-on after being bundled out for just 72 in response to the home side’s 488, the visitors scored just 18 runs in the first session with nightwatchman Amar Virdi the only wicket to fall.

Ryan Patel soaked up 85 balls before his off-stump was uprooted by Abbott after lunch.

Felix Organ took Hampshire’s third wicket of the day when Jamie Smith’s inside edge looped into the hands of Holland, before first-innings centurion Colin de Grandhomme bowled debutante Ben Geddes for 15.

Barker got his third wicket when Jordan Clark was trapped lbw for four, before Organ raised hopes of a home victory when he bowled Jamie Overton.

However, Amla and fellow fellow veteran Rikki Clarke held firm for the final nine overs to see out the draw.