365 Sporting Days

2 nights after watching Sussex beat Essex they were at my second Countu, Surrey. Both teams had a good start to the T20 Blast, having played 3 and won 3. Weather allowing one would lose that winning record.

This was my second visit to the Oval since 2019 having been lucky enough to be at one of the trial days in 2020. It was a first chance to see the new Peter May Stand, and although not fully completed, it’s looking very nice! I look forward to sitting in it for the Essex game next week.

Luke Wright won the toss for Sussex and put Surrey in to bat. The rain and the covers came 15 minutes before play was due to start, after a few days of sweltering heat we had the standard British rain!

Play was delayed by 20 minutes, I suspect Jason Roy would’ve preferred it to be longer as he was caught by Lenham on the second ball he faced from the bowling of David Wiese. Surrey were 0 for 1. Annoyingly my view of the catch was blocked by a man bringing his beer to his seat.

Will Jacks hit 26 from Tymal Mills first over, which also included a wide, not the best start for the ex Essex man. Surrey had 50 up in quick time, after just 3.4 overs as Laurie Evans joined Jacks in hitting boundaries. He was however out LBW to George Garton, giving him his 100th T20 wicket.

Rain stopped play again when the score was on 53 for 2 after 5 overs had been bowled. Luckily my designated seat was under cover, and in spite of the fact many others didn’t they of course moved under cover too.

It turns out both teams would remain unbeaten as the rain won the day and the match was abandoned at just before 8:15.