The hallowed turf of The Oval witnessed a rare batting masterclass as Surrey posted their highest-ever whole in County Championship historical past—820 for 9 declared—in opposition to Durham. This exceptional feat, achieved on Day 2 of their Division One conflict, now ranks as amongst the highest 5 highest crew totals within the lengthy historical past of English county cricket.
Dom Sibley’s majestic triple ton powers Surrey to a historic feat
Dom Sibley, the previous England Check opener, performed the knock of a lifetime. Affected person but exact, Sibley carved out a masterful triple century (305 off 475 deliveries, peppered with 29 boundaries and a pair of sixes). His monumental innings laid the muse for Surrey’s innings to soar into historic territory.
Sibley wasn’t alone in piling on the distress for Durham’s bowlers. He shared a 170-run stand with Sam Curran (108 from 124 balls), a blistering 334-run partnership with Dan Lawrence (178 off 149), and added one other 133 runs alongside Will Jacks (119 off 94). Every century got here with its personal aptitude, but it surely was the sheer weight and tempo of runs that left the guests scrambling for solutions.
Durham’s bowlers endured a punishing two days within the subject, as 5 full classes didn’t yield respite. Will Rhodes emerged as probably the most profitable bowler with figures of three for 131, whereas George Drissell had a forgettable outing, conceding 247 runs throughout 45 overs—one of the vital costly spells in county historical past.
Prime 5 highest crew totals within the historical past of County cricket
1. 887 – Yorkshire vs Warwickshire, Edgbaston (1896)
Yorkshire’s monumental 887 stays the very best crew whole in county cricket historical past. Performed in an period with out fashionable protecting gear or heavy bats, this efficiency was powered by large contributions from the highest and center order. The innings featured three centurions, with Bobby Peel top-scoring with 210. Yorkshire’s dominance with the bat lasted nicely into the third day, grinding down Warwickshire’s bowlers and setting a report that also stands greater than a century later.
2. 863 – Lancashire vs Surrey, The Oval (1990)
This contemporary-era run-fest noticed Lancashire punish Surrey’s bowlers at The Oval. The innings was highlighted by Neil Fairbrother’s elegant 366, one of many highest particular person scores in English home cricket. He obtained sturdy assist from Mike Atherton (191) and Gehan Mendis (102), who each smashed good-looking centuries. The tempo of scoring and depth in batting helped Lancashire register a complete that has not often been approached since.
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3. 850/7 dec – Somerset vs Middlesex, Taunton (2007)
In a match that was a batting carnival, Somerset’s 850/7 declared in opposition to Middlesex was constructed on a ravishing triple ton by Justin Langer, who made 315 runs. He was nicely supported by James Hildreth (116) and Cameron White (114). The small floor and flat Taunton pitch supplied little for bowlers, and Somerset took full benefit by declaring solely after almost exhausting their batting lineup. This innings stays one of the vital current examples of sheer run-scoring dominance in county cricket.
4. 820/9 dec – Surrey vs Durham, The Oval (2025)
Surrey’s newest entry into the historical past books got here throughout their Division One fixture in opposition to Durham. Led by a chic 305 from Sibley, together with centuries from Lawrence (178), Jacks (119), and Curran (108), Surrey powered to their highest-ever whole in first-class cricket. The relentless assault pushed Durham’s bowlers to the brink. This efficiency additionally marked Surrey’s second entry into the all-time high 5 county totals.
5. 811 – Surrey vs Somerset, The Oval (1899)
Earlier than 2025, Surrey’s earlier highest whole was 811, recorded greater than 125 years in the past in opposition to Somerset. Performed at The Oval in 1899, the match noticed legendary names like Bobby Abel (357) and Tom Hayward (158) main the run cost. The innings was a traditional instance of attritional batting from the pre-modern period, with lengthy partnerships and affected person accumulation throughout a number of days. The report stood tall in Surrey’s historical past till it was lastly eclipsed in 2025.
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