Patel's innings keeps Notts top of the County Championship

Nottinghamshire batsman Samit Patel struck a fine unbeaten century to earn his side a draw against Surrey.

Patel came in with Notts struggling on 129-4 and still needing another 56 to make Surrey bat again.

He put on an unbroken 165 with Graeme Swann for the seventh wicket as Notts batted throughout the final day to earn a draw and a share of the points.

Patel finished 134 not out and Swann 68 not out and Notts remain a point ahead of Lancashire, who beat Hampshire.

Surrey, who were denied their first win of the season, remain in the Division One relegation zone.

606: DEBATE Well done to Samit - he's had a poor season compared to the last two years knotts4ever

Patel applied himself diligently after throwing his wicket away in the first innings and was rewarded with the first hundred by a specialist Notts batsman since September 2007.

Nigthwatchman Andre Adams thumped six fours and two sixes as he raced to 50 off only 47 balls but he and Matt Wood fell in quick succession to leave Notts in trouble.

Patel put on 69 with Adam Voges (35), the Australian looking in fine touch before he perished with a loose drive off Jade Dernbach to give Jon Batty his 500th first-class dismissal.

When Pedro Collins removed Chris Read's middle stump Notts were 207-6 and only 22 ahead, but Patel and Swann rescued them with a superb counter attack.