Ice cream treat for Surrey’s Dom Sibley after huge innings helps epic run chase

Opener Dom Sibley hit an unbeaten 140 as Surrey maintained their advantage in the County Championship this week by pulling off an epic run chase against Kent at Canterbury.

Set 501 to win – only one side in domestic cricket has ever scored more in the fourth innings to win – Sibley anchored the visitors’ second innings with the slowest hundred in the history of the County Championship in terms of both minutes (578) and balls faced (415).

The 27-year-old was quick to acknowledge the part played by team-mate Jamie Smith, whose 114 off 77 balls on day three was the impetus for the Oval outfit’s fifth championship victory of the season, plus Ben Foakes (124) contribution.

“To chase that many and win the game, the boys are buzzing,” said Sibley, as he tucked into a celebratory ice cream.

“Even when it was set, we felt it wasn’t beyond our possibilities as a side.

“All the conversations were extremely positive yesterday and overnight.

“It was about occupying the crease, spending time there, getting through the new ball and making them come back for more spells.

“I wasn’t in any rush and I didn’t need to be, but, obviously, it helps when Smithy comes in and plays an innings like that.

“I can’t think of a better knock I’ve seen from the other end. I had the best view in the house and I feel very privileged to have watched it.

“Smithy’s a special player, he’s shown that already this year in red and white-ball cricket.

“At times, he seems to be playing a different game. He’s top class.

“It’s great to stay at the top of the table and to come back [from Warwickshire] and be a part of the team again after such a long time. It’s a great feeling to put in a performance like that.

“I think I’ve shown the lads I can play a little bit.

“I said to Foakesy, when we were out there, I think that’s my first hundred for Surrey since I was at school.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD