Surrey's Dan Lawrence and Durham's Emilio Gay smashed timely centuries for their respective counties on the opening day as England look to zero in on their top six ahead of the South Africa tour.
Lawrence remained unbeaten on 105 off just 136 deliveries, with nine fours and four sixes, and looked confident throughout his stay in the middle. He came in at number five and stitched an unbeaten 153-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Ben Foakes, ensuring Surrey ended the day on top at 327-4 against Somerset at the County Ground in Taunton.
This was Lawrence’s 25th century in first-class cricket as he looks to seal his place in England’s Test team five years after making his debut. The 29-year-old gave a good account of himself against Pakistan, scoring three fifties in four innings at six.
Overall, this is the sixth century of the County Championship this season for Lawrence, taking his tally to 948 runs in 16 innings at an average of 67.71. His conversion rate has also been fantastic, as he has crossed the three-figure mark every time after completing his fifty this season.
Emilio Gay shines with 141 for Durham against Lancashire
Meanwhile, England opener Emilio Gay batted at three for Durham and smashed 141 runs against Lancashire at Old Trafford, Manchester. He tackled the new ball well after Alex Lees was dismissed early and stitched a 124-run partnership for the second wicket with Ben McKinney and 168 runs for the third wicket with Mayank Agarwal to put his team in a strong position at 355-5.
So good to see @emilio_nico1 scoring runs in Durham whites again. 🤩#ForTheNorth pic.twitter.com/XU5oUxOxKV
— Durham Cricket (@DurhamCricket) September 24, 2026
His century comes at a time when his place as an opener in England’s Test team is not yet sealed. He didn’t have a great series against Pakistan, scoring 132 runs in five innings at 26.4. Gay, along with Lawrence, could be battling for a position in England’s batting order after Jacob Bethell returns.
Jordan Cox was impressive against Pakistan, scoring 202 runs in five innings at number three and seems to have sealed his place at least for the South Africa tour. If Bethell regains full fitness and makes his comeback to the Test team, either Lawrence or Gay might have to make way for him in the playing XI.
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