Surrey Builds 179-Run Lead Over Warwickshire at Oval

Surrey took control in their County Championship match against Warwickshire at The Oval, with strong batting performances from Rory Burns, Dom Sibley, and Ollie Pope leading to a commanding overall lead of 179 runs by the close of play. Will Young scored a resilient 72 for Warwickshire, supported by Ed Barnard's 50, which helped Warwickshire secure a narrow first innings lead of two runs. Surrey's Gus Atkinson and Tom Lawes were instrumental with the ball, Atkinson taking three wickets in the opening session and Lawes finishing with four wickets, including a rapid three-wicket spell that put Warwickshire under pressure. Surrey's top three batsmen, especially Pope's quick 56 not out and Sibley's patient 64, capitalized on an easing pitch to build a strong second innings total. Warwickshire struggled to maintain momentum after initial resistance but had contributions from lower-order batsmen like Nathan Gilchrist. Surrey, leading the Championship, showed resilience and skill both with bat and ball to position themselves well ahead in the contest.