Petersen and Buttler prevent unlikely victory

A 91 from Alviro Petersen and 94 from Jos Buttler secured a draw on the final day of the Championship game at the Oval.

Figures of 5-60 from Stuart Meaker wasn't enough for Surrey to complete an unlikely victory, as they had to settle for the 8 points.

With Somerset starting on 6-0, a lead of 24, the first session couldn’t have gone much better for us. The pitch was still looking good to bat on, but the bowlers worked hard to claim 4 wickets. Meaker first had Trescothick well caught by Gary Wilson in the slips, before sending Nick Compton’s off stump cartwheeling. Gareth Batty had Hildreth LBW in his 3^rd over, before de Bruyn had Kieswetter in similar fashion, to give Surrey a sniff. However, Alviro Petersen was the bane in Surrey’s hopes yet again, as he compiled a quick half century just before lunch, in which Somerset went in on 110-4.

Petersen along with Jos Buttler continued in the afternoon session, putting together a partnership that eventually condemned the game to a predictable draw. 

However, Batty removed the South African 9 runs before a second century of the game, and when Meaker was belatedly brought on, the game burst into life. Meaker quickly sent Trego, Thomas and Overton back to the Pavilion to complete a much deserved 5-fer. To have any chance of victory, Surrey needed to dismiss Somerset before tea. But that wasn't to be, with Buttler falling 6 short of his hundred, when Gary Keedy claimed his first Surrey wicket, and hands shaken at 251-9.

So, I think that a draw was a fair result in the end. The game ebbed and flowed throughout the 4 days, with Somerset looking likely to forge a victory after day two, but the partnership between Burns and Davies put paid to that. And the fact that we had a chance of victory on the final day is testament to the character of our players.

Next week we come up against Sussex at the Oval, with the return of RHB and Jordan, as well as Panesar and Prior, so it is sure to be a tough game. The changes I would make to the team are to bring in Tremlett and Roy, and leave out de Bruyn and Keedy. De Bruyn's shot to get out in the first innings was one of a man who hasn't played for months, and Keedy looked ineffective, and if fit, Tremlett must play. 

Good job lads, continue to play how you have the last couple of days, and you will be fine. Not the dream start for Smith, but I think that he will be satisfied and encouraged by what he has seen.