LV COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION TWO, Whitgift School:
CLOSE OF PLAY, DAY THREE: Surrey 493 & 57-2, Worcestershire 465
Surrey 6pts, Worcs 8pts
Match scorecard

Kervezee's 68 was his highest first-class score for Worcestershire

Ben Smith, Alexei Kervezee and Ben Scott all hit half-centuries as Worcestershire's clash with Surrey at Whitgift School headed for a draw.

After the visitors lost Moeen Ali early on for 126, Smith made 80, Kervezee 68 and Scott 55 as they were bowled out for 465, a first-innings deficit of 28.

Andre Nel finished with 3-41 and Jade Dernbach 3-85 as Surrey were made to work hard for their wickets.

Surrey had extended their lead to 85 by stumps, closing on 57-2.

Arun Harinath fell early, caught behind off Alan Richardson in the third over, while Stewart Walters was caught at first slip off Jack Shantry.

Those dismissals prevented Surrey scoring the quick runs they needed to set Worcestershire a target after wrapping up the visitors' innings quickly, taking the last five wickets for six runs in seven overs.

But by then Worcestershire were well in touch, despite losing Moeen to the second new ball after adding only four to his overnight 122.

Kervezee, who beat his previous best for the county of 66 against Durham, and Smith added 77 for the fifth wicket, before Smith and Scott put on 115 for the sixth wicket to help the game towards a near inevitable conclusion.

BBC Hereford and Worcester's Dave Bradley reflects on day three at Whitgift School:
"Worcestershire's collapse may well have opened up the game as they looked as if they would match or maybe better the Surrey total.

"Kerveeze, Smith and Scott all batted well but all three will be disappointed they didn't take Worcestershire into a commanding position.

"Worcestershire, with Richard Jones at eight, looked to have a longish tail and so it turned out as Dernbach picked up three wickets to ruin any hopes of a first-innings lead.

"With the ball having turned from the second day, and Surrey with two spinners in the side, quick runs in the morning could lead to a target being set for Worcestershire.

"Surrey will be aware of what Phil Jaques did to them a few years ago at The Oval in a run chase, but having lost the first two games, will they gamble on leaving Worcestershire a getable target?

"The draw still remains the favourite, but on a deteriorating pitch we could see some drama on the final day."

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