Cricket returned to the square in the middle of The Kia Oval this week as Surrey’s men’s squad played an internal training match on a cut strip.
The two-day match saw the available players split into two teams, with one side to bat throughout Day 1 and another to bat on Day 2.
Each day lasted 60 overs with bowling spells carefully considered in order to ensure bowlers are at the right fitness levels come the start of the LV= County Championship on the 8th April.
Bowling for Team Patel on the first day was the likes of Jamie Overton, Gus Atkinson, Ryan Patel, James Taylor, Daniel Moriarty, Rikki Clarke & Academy player Nathan Barnwell, who had five overs during the second session. The side they came up against included Mark Stoneman, Jamie Smith, Will Jacks, Jordan Clark, Liam Plunkett & Academy batsmen Ben Geddes & George Ealham.
Cricket in the middle at The Kia Oval.
Overton & Atkinson v Stoneman & Smith to start the day. pic.twitter.com/L4od7RJm6f
— Surrey Cricket (@surreycricket) March 22, 2021
The roles were switched on Day 2 with Conor McKerr, Matt Dunn, Clark, Plunkett and Jacks all leading the attack against a batting lineup with many of the players above and Nico Reifer.
The Surrey players involved in England’s recent Test series with India did come to The Kia Oval for training but did not take part in the match. Our two overseas players (Hashim Amla & Kemar Roach) and the four players in England’s white ball squad are not currently in the country.
The players ramp up their preparations next week when Sussex visit The Kia Oval for a two-day friendly on the 29th & 30th March before a three-day match with Middlesex between 2nd – 4th April. They will then travel to Bristol for the LV= County Championship with Gloucestershire on the 8th April.
These fixtures are behind closed doors but Members can now book tickets free of charge for our two home matches in May in line with government guidelines. To become a Surrey Member and be one of the first to see live cricket’s return, click here.
