Chaminda Vaas gives Northants early edge over Surrey

Chaminda Vaas took 4-57 as Division Two leaders Northants bowled promotion hopefuls Surrey out for 269 on day one at Northampton.

Steven Davies hit 81 to get the visitors off to a good start.

But after he fell to leave Surrey 144-3, they lost their way, despite 58 from Zander de Bruyn.

Dave Burton, Andrew Hall and James Middlebrook supported Vaas with two wickets apiece before Northants survived five overs to close on 4-0.

CLOSE OF PLAY SUMMARY

BBC London 94.9's Mark Church:

"Northants will certainly be the happier of the two sides after the first day at Wantage Road.

"Surrey won the toss and batted first and were well placed at 104-1 after lunch. But Dave Burton then bowled Mark Ramprakash and Steven Davies followed for a very patient 81 and despite Zander de Bruyn's 58 Surrey fell away to 269 all out. Chaminda Vaas was the pick of the bowlers.

"Surrey will know they have to bowl well on the second day to keep their promotion hopes alive. Northants know they have had an excellent day and promotion could be just around the corner."