Ryan Patel's top score of 134 helped Surrey post 415 and secure a crucial 153-run lead over Durham in their County Championship clash at the Kia Oval. Durham's second innings began poorly, losing nightwatchman Callum Parkinson to Dan Worrall’s first ball, superbly caught by Conor McKerr at third slip. At stumps, Durham was 1 for 1, trailing by 152 runs.
Patel anchored Surrey's innings for nearly five hours, helping turn the tide with a vital 92-run eighth-wicket partnership with Tom Lawes. Their attacking approach against the second new ball shifted what had been a tightly contested day firmly in Surrey's favour. Lawes, a 21-year-old all-rounder, played confidently, hitting a career-best 58 with six fours and a six.
Durham had opportunities to change the game, particularly when they dropped Patel twice—once on 19 and again on 70. Had they taken those catches, the match could have tilted in their favour. Patel, however, capitalised on these lapses, hitting three sixes and 14 fours in his innings. Tom Curran also survived two close calls early in his 22-run knock from 81 balls, while Rory Burns, who was dropped on 43, went on to score 55.
Despite some fielding errors, Durham’s bowlers made Surrey work hard for their runs. Bas de Leede was the standout, claiming 4 for 106, including key wickets of Dan Lawrence (6) and Sam Curran (8). Surrey, resuming at 52 without loss, initially struggled when Burns was bowled by a stunning delivery from Chemar Holder for 55. Then, three wickets fell quickly, reducing Surrey to 110 for 3.
Ben Foakes added 47 with Patel before being caught behind for 17, while Sam Curran fell lbw to a yorker from de Leede. Tom Curran offered solid support to Patel, helping add 63 runs before he was bowled by Callum Parkinson.
Patel’s luck continued when Stanley McAlindon, fielding as a substitute, misjudged a catch at deep square leg, allowing a hook shot from Patel to sail for six. Patel then moved to 80 with a drive for four and soon guided Surrey into the lead with help from Jordan Clark. Clark contributed 22 before pulling Holder to deep square leg.
Late in the innings, McKerr fell for 10, handing 16-year-old McAlindon his maiden first-class wicket. Last man Worrall (6 not out) stuck around to secure Surrey's fourth batting bonus point before Lawes was finally dismissed for 58 by a brilliant diving catch from Alex Lees at long-off, leaving Minto with 2 for 78.
Scores:
Durham 262 and 1 for 1 trail Surrey 415 (Patel 134, Lawes 58, Burns 55, de Leede 4-106) by 152 runs.