Barnett sets new landmark

Kim Barnett became Derbyshire's highest first-class run-maker but fell a frustrating six runs short of a 48th century as his side were made to toil against Surrey at The Oval.

Barnett cruised past the mark of 20,516 runs set by Denis Smith (1927- 59), bringing his tally to 20,559. The 35-year-old said: "It was Denis Smith who first came to see me playing for Leek against Great Chell, and originally Derbyshire signed me as a leg-spinner in 1979.

"I knew this would come along at some stage, and I am pleased. I think it is going to be more difficult for people to better these records in future because there aren't going to be enough innings for them."

Barnett dismissed any thoughts of retirement, saying: "I'm pleased, but I would like to think in terms of getting 25,000 runs for Derbyshire." Barnett has amassed 22,261 runs in his first-class career, including four Test appearances for England.

Barnett's 94, which included 14 fours, was consolidated by an unbroken fourth-wicket stand of 107 between the Derbyshire captain, Dean Jones, who finished unbeaten on 61, and John Owen, who passed 50 for the fourth time in six innings.

Owen was 54 not out as Derbyshire reached 286 for 3 off 80 overs - still 191 runs behind Surrey. Surrey had earlier advanced their overnight score of 382 for 7 by a further 95 runs, with Graham Thorpe reaching 185, the third-highest score of his career.

The Surrey tail held out long enough to deny Derbyshire their fourth bowling bonus point, with wicketkeeper Graham Kersey making a useful 37 and Martin Bicknell 28 in the total of 477.

Simon Brown took 3 for 62 as he put Durham on the road to victory in their Championship match against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge yesterday.

Notts slumped to 194 for 7, 102 runs short of avoiding the follow-on as they replied to Durham's first-innings total of 455. Paul Pollard (30) was the first to fall to the left-arm seamer when he top-edged to Darren Blenkiron. That started the rot for Notts, and it was Brown who put a break on their fightback with the crucial scalps of Paul Johnson (34) and Chris Cairns (42) in the final session of the second day.