Surrey batters Hashim Amla & Ollie Pope have both been named in the BBC’s LV= County Championship Team of the Year, as voted for by fans.
Almost 15,300 teams were selected by users of the BBC Sport website and app during the final round of Championship fixtures – and the BBC have revealed which 11 players were most selected.
Amla slots in at number four with 39% of the vote. He scored 994 runs at an average of 58.40 including three centuries with a high score of 215 not out against Hampshire. Perhaps his most memorable innings however was in the reverse fixture against Hampshire, when he blocked 278 balls for 37* to save a draw on the final day at the Ageas Bowl.
On the BBC Sport website, it says of Amla: “Class is permanent with your selection at number four as Hashim Amla once again demonstrated his thirst for batting long periods and producing big scores.
“While just three centuries might seem under-par for the former South Africa captain, what also stood out was his ability to dig in and produce match-saving innings.
“Among those was a doughty 37 not out off 278 balls on the final day against Hampshire to secure a draw at the Ageas Bowl in July.
“Hampshire’s bowlers will be crossing their fingers the fixture list keeps them away from the 38-year-old next season after he also scored an unbeaten 215 against them at The Kia Oval at the end of April.”
In this team, Pope would come in immediately after Amla, batting at five. Our England man & Surrey Academy graduate picked up 49% of the vote.
The BBC Sport website describes his season in the following way: “Ollie Pope experienced what can only be best described as a rollercoaster 2021 for both club and country.
“Out of the blocks like an express train in early season, he then endured an injury setback in the middle before regaining both fitness and his place in England’s middle-order for the Test match against India at The Kia Oval.
“Despite his first-innings 81, he was unable to prevent England losing, but returned to Surrey colours for the conclusion of the County Championship.
“He finished it in some style by scoring a first-class career-best 274 against Glamorgan in a run-fest on his home ground for his third century of the campaign.
“Added to that, it was his second double ton of the season after scoring 245 against Leicestershire in April.”
