Burns, Smith steady Surrey but Warwickshire eye win

Surrey face a tense final day at Edgbaston after a determined rearguard effort left them still trailing Warwickshire by 47 runs.

After conceding a daunting first-innings total of 544, Surrey responded with resilience in their second innings, reaching 169 for 3 at stumps. Rory Burns (55) and Jamie Smith (51*) led the fightback, but more work remains to avoid defeat.

Warwickshire had earlier dominated with the bat, powered by a career-best 144 from Dan Mousley, supported by Sam Hain (94) and Beau Webster (53). Despite spirited efforts from Surrey’s attack, including three wickets for young spinner Ralphie Albert, the hosts built a commanding lead.

Facing a first-innings deficit of 216, Surrey’s task was clear: bat long to save the match. Burns and Dom Sibley provided a steady start, adding 57 for the opening wicket. Burns looked in control en route to his half-century before falling to a return catch off Chris Woakes.

England duo Smith and Ollie Pope then came together, but Pope’s stay was brief as he was trapped lbw by Ethan Bamber. Smith, however, remained composed, guiding Surrey safely through to stumps alongside Dan Lawrence.

With a relatively batter-friendly pitch offering some assistance to seamers, Warwickshire will fancy their chances of forcing a result on the final day. Their varied attack, led by Woakes, will look to exploit any early movement and apply pressure.

For Surrey, survival will depend on building partnerships and showing patience. With two sessions or more to bat out, the contest is finely poised—but Warwickshire hold the advantage heading into the decisive day.

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