Surrey’s Dan Lawrence shines with the ball as Somerset lead by 61 runs

Surrey’s Dan Lawrence shines with the ball as Somerset struggles on day three at The Kia Oval

Surrey closed in on victory over Somerset on day three of the Vitality County Championship Division One game at The Kia Oval, despite half-centuries from Lewis Goldsworthy and Tom Lammonby.

Dan Lawrence emerged as the surprise hero with the ball, taking 3-45 after being given the new ball alongside Jordan Clark in a three-over pre-lunch mini-session. Goldsworthy made 58 and Lammonby 51, but Somerset were only 61 runs ahead at 204-6 by stumps.

Surrey had earlier reached 428 in their first innings, with Sibley scoring 100, Burns 75, and Foakes 57. Somerset’s Lawrence took 3 crucial wickets, including that of Sean Dickson and Matt Renshaw.

After a 58-run partnership between Lammonby and Goldsworthy, Cameron Steel’s leg-spin provided further breakthroughs for Surrey. Lawrence claimed Somerset’s fifth wicket, while Gus Atkinson dismissed Goldsworthy.

At stumps, Somerset’s Aldridge and captain Lewis Gregory were putting on a fight, with Aldridge on 20 and Gregory on 23. Surrey earlier added 70 runs to their overnight score, with Aldridge finishing with figures of 5-64.

Overall, it was a dominant performance by Surrey, with Lawrence’s bowling display being the highlight of the day. Somerset will need a strong batting performance on day four to avoid defeat at the hands of Surrey.