The eighth round of County Championship action in 2023 saw Surrey retain their position atop the Division One table with an historic victory over Kent, while Lancashire recorded their first win of the season.
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With all of the England regulars deep in preparation for tomorrow’s first men’s Ashes Test at Edgbaston, there was a chance in this round of fixtures for some of the fringe players to put up their hands and remind Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum of their readiness this summer.
Ben Foakes: 3 & 124 v Kent
After being dropped from England’s squad for the returning Jonny Bairstow, this was Ben Foakes first major chance to remind everyone of his quality with the bat and not just with the gloves. In Surrey’s near record-breaking win over Kent, chasing down 501 in the fourth innings, Foakes did just that. His century helped his side over the line and showed yet again his capability at solidifying a batting line-up in the middle to lower order.
Dom Sibley: 9 & 140* v Kent
Another star performer in Surrey’s determined victory at Canterbury. Whilst Dom Sibley has not been part of the England system for a few years now, his efforts in the fourth innings of the match are worth mentioning all the same. The grit shown in his nine-hour innings to achieve the slowest ever century in the County Championship was the antithesis of the approach from England under Stokes and McCullum, but was still mightily effective.
Rehan Ahmed: 0-53 & 0-28, 28 & 71 v Gloucestershire
Before Moeen Ali was announced as the replacement for Jack Leach in the England men’s side, there were suggestions that Rehan Ahmed be given the opportunity. However, like most spinners in the County Championship this season, the youngster has struggled to take wickets so far. His contribution with the bat in the fourth innings of the game to help see his side to victory was a reminder of why he was given his England debut in Pakistan.
Phil Salt: 103 & 3 v Hampshire
A cricketer that is more familiar with England’s white-ball teams, Phil Salt’s century in their first innings helped Lancashire secure their first win of the season. So far this has been a disappointing campaign for the Old Trafford-based side, after being one of the favourites to contest the title before the season began in April. Regardless, Salt displayed his skill as a red-ball opener and took four catches behind the stumps.
Jamie Smith: 6 & 114 v Kent
The third player from Surrey’s triumphant display over the past few days, Jamie Smith is rapidly becoming a name on everyone’s mind. The 22-year-old averages over 40 in first-class cricket and is sure to be another option for England in the middle order in the years to come.
Liam Dawson: 1-16, 9 & 26 v Lancashire
Another option that was floated after Leach’s injury was Liam Dawson. However his performance this week was of little note, only bowling five overs .
Alex Lees: 62 v Glamorgan
The Durham opener went well to set his side’s huge total, posting 630 against Glamorgan. However, since the introduction of Ben Duckett alongside Zak Crawley at the top of England’s order it would appear there is little room for Lees in Stokes’ plans.
Will Jacks: 0-16 & 0-25, 6 & 19 v Kent
An underwhelming match for Will Jacks. He bowled nine overs in the game and failed to make much of a contribution with the bat despite others around him scoring highly.
Craig Overton: 2-54 & 1-32, 23 & 5 v Essex
With the depth of England’s bowling options it seems unlikely Craig Overton will make a Test appearance this summer. His last Test for England came in the Caribbean last year.
