MARK RAMPRAKASH did not emulate Justin Langer by scoring a triple century against Somerset at Guildford yesterday, but his innings of 167 was no less technically adroit and, if anything, was more watchable. This was his 32nd century in six seasons with Surrey.

Langer has said during this match that he cannot comprehend why Ramprakash has not won 100 Test caps for England and most spectators who were present yesterday would agree with him.

There were substantial innings, too, from Mark Butcher, Rikki Clarke and Azhar Mahmood, who made 98 from 95 balls, which helped enable Surrey to save the follow-on. As yet, there is minimal help for any spinner.

Clarke equalled the highest score of his career, striking an unbeaten 165 off 203 balls with 22 fours and three sixes. Butcher batted more circumspectly, his 84 including eight fours, which was what his side required at the time. He and Ramprakash make for the ideal, classy left-hander, right-hander partnership. That said, until Clarke came to the wicket, there was a fair chance that Surrey would not avert the follow-on.

Ramprakash faced 287 balls in his innings, striking 21 fours and two sixes, both straight drives off Michael Munday’s leg spin.