Dawson luckless as Surrey find safe ground

Surrey 329 (Burns 101, Wheal 4-100) and 248 for 3 (Sangakkara 84*, Harinath 57)drew with Hampshire 582 for 9 dec (Ervine 158*, Alsop 117, McLaren 100, Footitt 6-161)Scorecard

Liam Dawson’s big chance seemed tailor made. His one over on the third evening, according to Sean Ervine, had both gripped and turned. The greenish pitch, as it has been at The Oval all year, was barer at each end. Ten Surrey wickets to take, to prove that he is not merely a part-timer (that most pointed of cricketing barbs) and his readiness to tour Asia with England, which he seems ever more likely to do, despite his modest returns. What’s more, for a cricketer constantly sold as a great team man, here was a chance to spin Hampshire to a win that would propel them to fifth.

James Vince – who confirmed that he has not had talks with Essex, and that the first he had heard of this was when someone tweeted him – agreed. Dawson bowled the Vauxhall End’s first 23 overs of the day, then, after a two-over trundle from Will Smith, returned to bowl 12 more, before rain brought a draw – that ensures Surrey’s Division One status – a few minutes early. Hampshire have a week off, and need a favour from Surrey – who play Durham at Chester-le-Street – to ensure that their season remains alive when they host Durham on September 20.

For Dawson, it all started so well. His fifth over of the day saw one grip, turn and take Rory Burns’ inside edge; Tom Alsop, a very fine short leg, dived forward to take a smart catch. He had his 15th wicket of the season, but all that followed was plenty of frustration.

Dawson did as Dawson does. He wheeled away, finding some – albeit slow – turn from the footmarks, which sat wide. There were chances, but the outside edge was seldom beaten, and funky bounce only appeared late in the day. Kumar Sangakkara, who batted as …

continue reading in source www.espncricinfo.com