By combining for an opening stand of 117, Scott Newman and Jonathan Batty put the hosts on course for maximum bonus points, which, with the match blighted by the weather, is now the only objective confronting the Brown Caps. For Warwickshire, there remains the chance to acquire some bowling points, but the mood the Surrey batsmen were in yesterday, the visitors will have to work extremely hard to obtain any further reward from this contest.

In the seventy overs made possible by the elements, the hosts lost just one wicket - that of Newman for an attractive 73 - which put into perspective Warwickshire's effort of 329 on the first two days. For the most part the visitors' attack operated to their field, but, other than Dale Steyn, none looked particularly incisive.

The South African ruffled Newman when he struck the left-hander - who was on 25 at the time - on the side of the helmet. Newman appeared groggy for a while, but reached a stylish 88-ball half-century. The left-handed opener proceeded to flick anything loose from Heath Streak off his legs for four and pull James Anyon for six. But, as expected, it was Steyn who eventually made the breakthrough, when Newman drove on the up once too often and was caught behind by Tim Ambrose.

When Mark Ramprakash joined Batty, the Surrey wicketkeeper only had thirty to his name. But Batty, who was nearly run out by James Anyon off the first ball of the day and could have been caught at second slip off Steyn had Darren Maddy held on to a difficult chance, finished unbowed on 82; well on course for his second championship century of the season.

When spin was belatedly introduced in the 62nd over, the 33-year-old stumper danced down the wicket and lofted Alex Loudon into the OCS Stand for six, then charged Jim Troughton for a driven four. Nevertheless, Batty's fifty occupied 150 deliveries.

After a disappointing match all round at Old Trafford, Ramprakash looked backed to his very best, driving off the back foot through the off-side as well as finding the gaps on the leg. By the close, the former Middlesex man had progressed to 44 not out.

GO TO:

BACK TO: