Jonathan Batty did his chances of England selection no harm as he batted through the day for Surrey to remain unbeaten on 82, closely watched by Andy Flower, the newly appointed Assistant to England Coach Peter Moores.

After watching the rain fall for the whole of yesterday afternoon, Scott Newman and Batty started this morning again for Surrey, with the score on eight. It was a steady effort from the pair, as they batted through the morning session to negotiate the swing that was available to Warwickshire’s quick bowlers.

After the first hour, Newman began to finish his shots with the sort of flourish that has become his trademark around the first class circuit. He was well supported by Batty, who worked very hard throughout the session and together the pair saw Surrey through to the break on 105 for no loss.

Newman, on 67, tried to force the play immediately after the break but doing so proved to be his downfall. After blasting a Dale Steyn half volley through the covers, he went after a slightly wider delivery to be caught behind for 73.

Mark Ramprakash then had to ride a tough opening period whilst Batty attempted to accelerate his scoring rate. The Surrey wicket keeper moved swiftly and effortlessly to his half century, having battled to lunch for 26 not out.

Ramprakash too started to find his form and as such Surrey moved steadily towards 200. However deep into the afternoon session, dark clouds began to surround the Brit Oval and shortly before tea, it started to drizzle, leaving the umpires no choice but to take the players off the field.

Positive cricket from Surrey’s captain, Mark Butcher, saw play resume in the dark conditions after the break, but his and the Surrey players' effort was soon made insignificant, as a prolonged downpoor stopped any chance of further play as Surrey closed on 226 for one.

To see a scorecard from today’s play, click here.

If you would like to come down to watch tomorrow’s play at the Brit Oval, tickets will cost £6 for under 16s and £12 for adults. Gates will be open from 10am, with play scheduled to get under way at 11am.

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