Marcus Hook’s Surrey CCC column: Chasing pack already trailing the County Championship leaders by 17 points

Surrey continue to stamp their authority on this season’s County Championship.

Their fourth victory on the trot – a 281-run mauling of Worcestershire – meant that even with Essex returning to winning ways and Somerset beating Kent, Rory Burns’ men have a 17-point advantage over the chasing pack.

With the pitch at the Oval favouring seam, the hosts could even afford to leave out leg-spinner Cameron Steel, who has had an incredible start to the season. The decision proved well-founded when Dan Worrall and Co went to work. But, initially, a lost toss resulted in Worcestershire’s attack landing some early blows.

With the South Londoners slipping to 15-4, the visitors notched up a first bowling point before Notts, who were entertaining Hampshire, had scored a run. But after Dan Lawrence (84) and Ollie Pope (63) deployed attack as the best form of defence – some might suggest in a nod to Bazball – Surrey were always in control.

In reply to the Oval outfit’s 213 all out, Worcestershire could only muster 128, with Worrall polishing off the last three wickets in the space of five deliveries to bag figures of 6-22.

Worrall, who swapped Australia for the UK in 2022, qualifies to play for England next year. With England’s selectors stating last week that they’re looking to the future in terms of bowling options, the prospect of a 33-year-old Worrall replacing Jimmy Anderson seems unlikely.

That said, Worrall, whose experience in Australia would be an asset when England tour there in 2025-26, is putting forward a convincing case. Only two bowlers – Essex’s Sam Cook and Jamie Porter – have taken more championship wickets this term and Worrall’s have come at an average cost of just 13.57.

“I’m ready to go if I’m required, but I’ve learnt in my time that as soon as you think that far ahead, you’re kidding yourself,” says Worrall, who has three ODI caps for Australia, but doesn’t count as an overseas player due to his British passport.

“It was an underwhelming first innings with the bat,” admitted Worrall. “It was almost like we had been woken up, so we came out to make a point with the ball.

“We pride ourselves on the strength of our attack, whether we play five quicks or Cam Steel with his leggies. We hunt as a pack, especially at The Oval, and try to be relentless with our pressure.”

Burns, Smith, Lawrence and Clark all hit second innings half-centuries to leave Worcestershire needing 513, but it was the way the hosts turned things around on the opening day that was most impressive.

“That’s the beauty of this side,” said Worrall. “To have Dan Lawrence coming in at six and playing the counter-attacking innings he did, it’s just an amazing asset.

“We never really felt stressed throughout, which sounds crazy. But we had faith in Dan at six and Jordan Clark, who made a 50 at seven. We always have faith that our guys will step up when they need to.”

PICTURES: GETTY