Cricket: Windows' power game

A GAME that had looked Surrey's for the winning for much of the past three days died a watery death in its final session yesterday as Gloucestershire's batsmen hung for an unlikely draw thanks to an undefeated 98 from Matt Windows and a timely cloudburst.

Having been set a notional target of 359 from a minimum of 84 overs, the visitors could scarcely have made a worse start with both openers back in the pavilion inside three overs. But Windows' eyecatching innings became the focal point of some belated resistance and Surrey were left to rue a sharp chance missed by Jason Ratcliffe when he had made just 33.

Mark Butcher had reached his 13th first-class century off the second ball of the day before falling to a smart catch by Kim Barnett at square leg three balls later, providing Mike Smith with his fifth wicket of Surrey's second innings and his ninth in the match.

By now, though, Surrey were chasing quick runs, which came courtesy of Jon Batty and Gary Butcher, who shared the majority of the 73 in 10 overs that were added to Surrey's overnight lead.

Gloucestershire were soon in trouble when they replied, Barnett clipping a rising delivery from Alex Tudor to second slip and Tim Hancock fending meekly at a straight one outside off-stump from Darren Bicknell to leave Gloucestershire on 7 for 2. Mark Alleyne and Dominic Hewson then set about repairing the damage, adding an untroubled 50 together before Ian Salisbury was brought into the attack for the last over before lunch. Sadly the sight of a ball dropped fractionally short proved too much for Hewson to resist and a promising innings ended leg before when he swung across the line and missed.

Windows emerged after the interval to join his captain and once the 26- year-old lost Alleyne, who gave Bicknell his 700th first-class wicket with the score at 94, he grew in confidence, playing attractively on both sides of the wicket.

Mark Butcher gave himself a rare bowl and promptly removed Jeremy Snape with the benefit of a doubtful appeal for a catch behind, paving the way for Jack Russell to keep Windows company. There was much work still to be done but when the heavens opened with 20 overs still scheduled to be bowled it was much to Gloucestershire's relief.