Mark Ramprakash scored his 96th career first class century against Lancashire at the Brit Oval, as Surrey kicked on after a good start to put the top of the table side under pressure at the end of the first day.

Ramprakash arrived at the crease early on and proceeded to bat his way through the day, formulating good partnerships with the Surrey middle order, before finishing the day 180 not out after bad light stopped play.

Mark Butcher won the toss this morning and had no hesitation in electing to bat first. After the early loss of Jonathan Batty for 12, Scott Newman and Ramprakash went about building a decent partnership which took Surrey up past 50. Just as Newman was really starting to get going, Dominic Cork was introduced into the attack and after a tough battle bounced back from being hit for four by having the left-hander caught behind for 39.

Ramprakash was the main stay of the Surrey innings but enjoyed useful partnerships right the way through the Surrey middle order. Butcher was the first and together the pair saw Surrey safely into the lunch break with the score 102 for two.

Shortly after the resumption, Butcher was caught for 21 top edging a pull shot. However Ramprakash continued his good work, to go past his half century and make his way towards three figures. He found good support in Stewart Walters, who after a slow start began to find his form. This partnership took Surrey into a very strong position and as it went on, Lancashire’s hopes of picking up quick wickets started to fade as Surrey pushed on past 200.

The wicket of Walters, was followed by some brutal ball-striking from James Benning, who as the session went on took advantage of some tired Lancashire bowling. At the same time, Ramprakash brought up yet another century, the 96th of his career, with a perfect square cut for four. Surrey went into the break 274 for four, with Benning having smashed 35 from only 14 deliveries.

The evening session belonged once again to Surrey and although they lost Benning for a rapid 51 from just 26 balls, his replacement Chris Jordan took on the mantle of supporting Ramprakash. A fine partnership of 60 followed as Ramprakash went past his 150.

As the light started to fade, Jordan was caught behind for 34 and shortly after the umpires took the players off the field. They resumed play for only a moment before play was finally called, with Surrey 374 for six with Ramprakash 180 not out.

To see Mark Ramprakash's player profile, click here

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