A second century of the season for Usman Afzaal and half-centuries from Jonathan Batty and night watchman Murtaza Hussain took Surrey safely to a draw against Yorkshire at the Brit Insurance Oval. Surrey finished on 299 for 6 on the final day as Mark Butcher’s team went to a fifth successive draw and third in the table.

Surrey started the day 3 runs behind Yorkshire and needed to bat well to stay in the match, but they got off to a disastrous start when Deon Kruis removed Scott Newman in the fifth over of the day. Newman was drawn into a second short ball in the over and gloved a hook behind to Gerard Brophy to head back to the pavilion for 31. Usman Afzaal joined night watchman Murtaza Hussain and together they made batting look easier than it should have been. The pair played each ball on merit and negated the threat of leg-spinner Adil Rashid and played patiently to deny any further Yorkshire successes before lunch. Both men safely reached lunch with 40-plus to their names and with Surrey building a lead towards safety.

After lunch and Usman immediately went to fifty and then Murtaza opened his shoulders as he began to move away from the night watchman role. Murtaza hit Rashid for a straight six into the pavilion and then took a single as he went to his first fifty for Surrey and the twelfth of his career. However, an over later and Murtaza got a feint edge to a wide delivery form Anthony McGrath and went for 56 after a partnership of 104 with Usman. Surrey had a small wobble as the Yorkshire seamers found some reverse swing from the old ball. Ali Brown left a ball from Tim Bresnan that swung back to hit his off stump and Surrey were 183 for five.

Jonathan Batty and Usman needed to battle hard in order to quell any chance that Yorkshire had to force a win and the sixth wicket pair duly dug in. Batty was fighting hard and spent time at the crease whilst leaving with exceptional judgement and only attacked the real loose balls. Usman again looked at ease against the spin of Rashid and then began to stroke the ball strongly through the covers as the Yorkshire seamers strived for wickets.

After tea Batty went to a much-needed first Championship 50 of the season and in the next over Usman went to his second century of the season. It had come off 193 balls and contained 10 fours. Usman was out shortly before the close as he tried to play some shots against Rashid and was stumped for 105.Play was ended with Surrey on 299 for six and both teams taking 11 points from the game.

Surrey now head to Whitgift for their next LV County Championship match against Somerset, to see how much Mark Butcher looks forward to the Whitgift festival click here.

Listen to Jonathan Batty discuss the match on Surrey TV.

To watch action of the days play click here.

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