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The hallowed turf of The Oval witnessed an extraordinary batting masterclass as Surrey posted their highest-ever total in County Championship history—820 for 9 declared—against Durham. This remarkable feat, achieved on Day 2 of their Division One clash, now ranks as amongst the top five highest team totals in the long history of English county cricket.
Dom Sibley’s majestic triple ton powers Surrey to a historic feat
Dom Sibley, the former England Test opener, played the knock of a lifetime. Patient yet precise, Sibley carved out a masterful triple century (305 off 475 deliveries, peppered with 29 boundaries and a pair of sixes). His monumental innings laid the foundation for Surrey’s innings to soar into historic territory.
Sibley wasn’t alone in piling on the misery for Durham’s bowlers. He shared a 170-run stand with Sam Curran (108 from 124 balls), a blistering 334-run partnership with Dan Lawrence (178 off 149), and added another 133 runs alongside Will Jacks (119 off 94). Each century came with its own flair, but it was the sheer weight and pace of runs that left the visitors scrambling for answers.
Durham’s bowlers endured a punishing two days in the field, as five full sessions failed to yield respite. Will Rhodes emerged as the most successful bowler with figures of 3 for 131, while George Drissell had a forgettable outing, conceding 247 runs across 45 overs—one of the most expensive spells in county history.
Top 5 highest team totals in the history of County cricket
1. 887 – Yorkshire vs Warwickshire, Edgbaston (1896)
Yorkshire’s monumental 887 remains the highest team total in county cricket history. Played in an era without modern protective gear or heavy bats, this performance was powered by massive contributions from the top and middle order. The innings featured three centurions, with Bobby Peel top-scoring with 210. Yorkshire’s dominance with the bat lasted well into the third day, grinding down Warwickshire’s bowlers and setting a record that still stands more than a century later.
2. 863 – Lancashire vs Surrey, The Oval (1990)
This modern-era run-fest saw Lancashire punish Surrey’s bowlers at The Oval. The innings was highlighted by Neil Fairbrother’s elegant 366, one of the highest individual scores in English domestic cricket. He received strong support from Mike Atherton (191) and Gehan Mendis (102), who both smashed handsome centuries. The pace of scoring and depth in batting helped Lancashire register a total that has rarely been approached since.
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3. 850/7 dec – Somerset vs Middlesex, Taunton (2007)
In a match that turned into a batting carnival, Somerset’s 850/7 declared against Middlesex was built on a ravishing triple ton by Justin Langer, who made 315 runs. He was well supported by James Hildreth (116) and Cameron White (114). The small ground and flat Taunton pitch offered little for bowlers, and Somerset took full advantage by declaring only after nearly exhausting their batting lineup. This innings remains one of the most recent examples of sheer run-scoring dominance in county cricket.
4. 820/9 dec – Surrey vs Durham, The Oval (2025)
Surrey’s latest entry into the history books came during their Division One fixture against Durham. Led by a sublime 305 from Sibley, along with centuries from Lawrence (178), Jacks (119), and Curran (108), Surrey powered to their highest-ever total in first-class cricket. The relentless assault pushed Durham’s bowlers to the brink. This performance also marked Surrey’s second entry into the all-time top five county totals.
5. 811 – Surrey vs Somerset, The Oval (1899)
Before 2025, Surrey’s previous highest total was 811, recorded more than 125 years ago against Somerset. Played at The Oval in 1899, the match saw legendary names like Bobby Abel (357) and Tom Hayward (158) leading the run charge. The innings was a classic example of attritional batting from the pre-modern era, with long partnerships and patient accumulation across multiple days. The record stood tall in Surrey’s history until it was finally eclipsed in 2025.
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