Rory Burns proud to be leading County Championship table-toppers Surrey

Rory Burns is proud to be skippering the County Championship leaders at the halfway stage. Since being handed the reins by Gareth Batty, Burns has not only overseen five wins from seven four-day starts, he is also the leading run-maker in the competition with 722 runs at an average of 65.53.

Surrey, who are yet to taste defeat in red-ball cricket this season, completed a double over Yorkshire – their first since last winning the County Championship in 2002 – following up an innings and 17-run victory with a seven-wicket win at Scarborough last week.

“To get the win having been 75 runs behind at the halfway stage is very pleasing,” said Burns.

But an incredible bowling effort – led by Morne Morkel, who bagged his first five-wicket haul for Surrey – skilled Yorkshire for 152 in their second dig.

“I think it’s really pleased to see our bowling unit bowl as a unit,” added Burns. “They hunt as a pack, and different people are putting their hands up. That’s the most pleasing thing.”

Surrey were left with 227 runs to chase down on the final day, which they negotiated for the loss of just three wickets.

The 27-year-old left-hander, who, with 97, came closest to being the only centurion in the contest, added: “The way we went about our run chase was really good. It helps when you get a solid start from the likes of me and Rocky [Mark Stoneman].

“Then myself and Scott Borthwick got in a partnership and Ryan [Patel] and Scotty did the same thing, which bodes really well.”

Whilst Burns leads Division One of the County Championship in runs scored, 20-year-old Ollie Pope is in second-place with 654 at an average of 93.42.

“Once again Ollie chipped in with more runs in the first innings,” said Burns. “I think he’s showing maturity beyond his years at the minute. He’s playing some really good cricket. Hopefully he continues to keep churning them out.”

When questioned about if Surrey can maintain their spot at the top of Division One through until September and the conclusion of the season, Burns commented, “We’re just happy with how we’re going about our cricket. Hopefully we continue to do the business. That’s our fifth win from seven games. That’s very pleasing.”

Surrey’s attention now turns to T20 cricket with the start of the Vitality Blast this Thursday(July 5), under the guidance of T20 captain Jade Dernbach.

Surrey’s first home game of the season against Kent on Friday(July 6) is sold out. The next fixture for which tickets are still availability is the Essex clash at the Oval on Thursday 12th July.