Rothesay County Championship Division One leaders Surrey fought back with the ball to stem Warwickshire’s momentum on the opening day at The Oval.

The champions – who started nine points clear of Nottinghamshire with three matches left – had been bowled out for 246.

Ryan Patel finished unbeaten on 72 from 67 balls after a flurry of wickets following half centuries for captain Rory Burns (52) and England’s Ollie Pope (50).

Tom Lawes, though, then took three wickets for six runs in a blistering five-over spell to leave Warwickshire at 132 for four, Ed Barnard having crafted towards a half-century at 48 not out.

Ben McKinney struck his second first-class century help Durham reach 316 for eight against fellow relegation battlers Essex at a sunny Chelmsford.

The 20-year-old left-ha

See Full Page