Butcher and Ward's exhibition of stroke-play

Judging by the imperious batting form displayed by Surrey's openers today, it is of no surprise that the South London side has been the championship leader for so long this season.

The two left-handers, Mark Butcher and Ian Ward, gave a marvellous exhibition of stroke-play in an unbroken stand of 243 which, by close of play was just two short of the Surrey record for the first wicket against Durham.

Having decided to make first use of a pitch, just about two tracks away from the one on which England clinched that historical victory two days ago, Butcher and Ward, stamped their authority rapidly, playing freely against the Durham bowling that evidently lacked quality. Quite undistracted by the two early stoppages for rain, they went about their business unconcerned as they piled on the runs.

An early lunch was taken during the second stoppage and despite the brilliant sunshine in the afternoon, 33 overs were deducted for the time lost.

During the last two uninterrupted sessions of play, Butcher and Ward enjoyed themselves, scoring almost at will against an attack which brought six bowlers into action and none of them were able to find penetration. The pace bowling, led by Stephen Harmison, was particularly disappointing although it would be unfair to single him out when the others were so ineffective.

Although there were times when Durham's fielding was of a high standard, both batsmen were able to find gaps in the field which brought Butcher 16 boundaries from the 250 balls that he faced in his second century of the championship. Ward played his third three-figure innings from 232 balls and hit 9 fours. The running between the wickets was excellent but Butcher was, however, close to being run out on 93 when his partner called for a quick single.

Languishing precariously in the relegation zone of the first division, Durham can ill afford to lose this match. In fact, they would be wishing for a repeat of the result of the previous meeting of these two sides, in May, when they inflicted on Surrey the first of two defeats this season. But with the sort of bowling that Durham produced today, there was little hope of them causing any worry to the two centurions.

Strangely, Surrey's other defeat this season was also against a side, Derbyshire, struggling against relegation while Surrey are so happily placed.