Ben Foakes scored an unbeaten 120 to help Surrey secure a draw against Essex in Division One of the County Championship.
Ben Foakes keeps Surrey afloat in relegation battle
Foakes led the rescue act for Surrey after they were reduced to 92-6 in their second innings and were in danger of losing the match. His knock, featuring 15 fours and a six, eventually enabled them to play out a crucial draw.
Surrey put together 183 in the first innings after being put in to bat. Adam Thomas and Tom Lawes top-scored with 43 and 38, respectively, while Zaman Akhter and Sam Cook bagged three wickets apiece. Foakes was dismissed for a duck.
Then with a brilliant 113 from Dean Elgar, followed by valuable contributions from the middle-order, Essex registered 279, gaining a 96-run lead. Surrey got to 51-4 at the end of day two before the third was washed out. Starting day four with a 45-run deficit, Surrey soon slid to 92-6.
Foakes dug deep from one end, and received great support from Thomas (33) and Lawes (44) for the seventh and eighth wickets, respectively. Rahul Chahar, batting at No.9, walked back unbeaten with 17 to his name, as Surrey played out 99 overs to draw the game. Foakes remained not out on 120 off 226.
Also read: County forfeit first innings to try and force result on last day of Championship game
Surrey moved to eighth on the points table with 105 points after gaining 11 in the match (eight for the draw, and three bonus). Leicestershire, who also secured a draw in their match against Yorkshire, moved down to ninth with 102 points.
Image credits: Surrey County Cricket Club
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