Ramprakash hits double century

Surrey 475 Warwickshire 120-5

Mark Ramprakash scored his second double century in two games to put the leaders, Surrey, in command of their County Championship First Division game here yesterday, despite Dougie Brown's seven-wicket haul.

The former England batsman followed his 218 at Somerset last week with an unbeaten 210 against Warwickshire to push his claims for a Test recall as the most in-form batsman in the country.

Ramprakash became the first batsman this summer to hit two double centuries as Surrey racked up 475 in their first innings. In reply, Saqlain Mushtaq took three late wickets to reduce the visitors to 120 for 5 at the close, 355 behind.

With Surrey resuming at 191 for 5, the game was finely balanced, but, after taking a few overs to find his range, Ramprakash cut loose, smashing Melvyn Betts for three fours in an over, and he and Rikki Clarke soon brought up their century partnership.

Ramprakash brought up his own century in fine style with an elegant back-foot shot for four through extra cover. Brown eventually made the breakthrough after the pair had put on 175 for the sixth wicket, Clarke becoming Brown's fourth victim when he fell lbw for 79.

Ramprakash was joined by Ian Salisbury and guided the hosts to 339 for 6 at lunch. After the interval, both hooked and pulled well in an entertaining partnership of 82 which saw Ramprakash pass 150.

On 30, Salisbury mistimed a hook off Neil Carter which looped straight to Smith at midwicket. Saqlain fell in the next over without troubling the scorers, offering a simple return catch to Brown to present him with his fifth wicket.

Jimmy Ormond struck three boundaries before becoming Brown's sixth victim, Mike Powell taking the catch at mid-on to send the England pace man packing for 13. But Ramprakash brought up his double century in the best possible way, pulling Betts for six on 199.

The last man, Ed Giddins, frustrated Warwickshire for half an hour for his nine runs, but was caught and bowled by Brown to leave the all-rounder with 7 for 110, his best figures of the season.