Surrey delivered a brutal and emphatic statement of intent at The Kia Oval, dismantling Nottinghamshire by 10 wickets in a one-sided LV= Insurance County Championship clash that was over before lunch on the third day.
The victory was built on the foundation of a devastating bowling performance, spearheaded by Australian seamer Dan Worrall. He ripped through the Nottinghamshire batting line-up, securing a magnificent five-wicket haul for just 28 runs. His relentless accuracy and movement proved utterly unplayable for the visitors, who were skittled for a meagre 126 in their second innings.
Notts' Batting Collapse in Full Swing
Resuming the day on a precarious 34 for 2, Nottinghamshire's hopes of setting a competitive target quickly evaporated. Worrall, supported superbly by the ever-impressive Jordan Clark (3-29), tore through the middle and lower order. Wickets fell in a clatter, with the visitors losing their final eight wickets for just 92 runs on a pitch that offered plenty for the bowlers.
The collapse left Surrey requiring a trivial 69 runs for victory. Their openers, Dom Sibley and Rory Burns, made light work of the small chase, cruising to the target in just 14.2 overs without losing a single wicket to seal a comprehensive win.
England Watch: Leach's Concerning Return
All eyes were on England's Jack Leach, who was making his return to competitive cricket after a knee injury. However, the left-arm spinner endured a difficult outing. He bowled 26 wicketless overs in Surrey's first innings, conceding 98 runs. His lack of impact, on a pitch that offered turn, will be a slight concern for the national selectors with the international summer fast approaching.
This commanding performance sees Surrey cement their position at the top of the Division One table, underlining their status as the team to beat this season. For Nottinghamshire, it's a heavy defeat to ponder as they look to regroup quickly.
