MARK RAMPRAKASH yesterday became the first batsman to score 1,000 first-class runs this season and, as if to confirm that he is still the best batsman in county cricket, went on to complete his fourth century of the summer and the 83rd of his career.

It was also his 30th since he joined Surrey from Middlesex in 2001 and the second division leaders were grateful for it as a Welsh uprising threatened to overwhelm them when Robert Croft, the Glamorgan captain, and Dean Cosker were taking their lastwicket stand to 55.

Glamorgan had an unexpected lead of 62 when Croft was caught by Ian Salisbury at slip for 72. Scott Newman and Jon Batty calmed Surrey’s nerves with an opening stand of 54 before Ramprakash reasserted their authority in partnerships of 125 with Batty and 79, unbroken, with Alistair Brown.

Batty had made 73 when he clubbed Alex Wharf to point and there was no stopping the peerless Ramprakash, who finished unbeaten on 110 off 201 balls with two straight sixes and 12 fours.

Glamorgan had a scare when Mark Cosgrove, their Australian opener, who leaves tonight to play in an A team tournament, damaged a thumb dropping a return catch. Under ECB rules, they are not allowed to replace an injured overseas player but an X-ray revealed no fracture and they will be able to bring in Brendon McCullum, of New Zealand.