Ramprakash moved to Surrey from Middlesex in 2001

The former England batsman, 38, scored an unbeaten 130 at the Oval as he reached 2,026 runs for the season at an average of 101.30.

He became the first cricketer in history to achieve both feats for two years in a row.

Ramprakash has now scored 19 centuries this season and 97 in his career.

Surrey eventually declared with the score on 295-5, with Ramprakash having faced 255 balls with 19 fours and a six, leaving Lancashire an unlikely target of 489 runs for victory with 112 overs left in the match.

Together with Jonathan Batty (45) and Mark Butcher (47), Ramprakash shared stands of 89 and 77 with the pair to dampen the spirits of the Lancashire attack.

606: DEBATE He's a better player now than when he played test cricket conwayss

"It was great to get another century and it gives us a chance of winning the game," he said.

"I really do enjoy playing for Surrey at The Oval. It's a very good club. I know that I don't have a long time left in the game but I just want to go and enjoy each day when I bat.

"Being at Surrey has without doubt made me a better player, and made me more relaxed at the crease. That was probably the influence of [then captain] Adam Hollioake who instilled that into me as soon as I arrived here.

"My motivation is to continue winnings things at Surrey, although we have had a tough season this year and at one time it looked like we could be relegated, but over the last few weeks the lads have showed what good players they are.

"The character and ability of the team has shone through and I am pleased for everyone at the club that we are still going to be in the frst division next season."