Surrey v Derbyshire: Vikram Solanki helps hosts into lead

Vikram Solanki fell seven runs short of a second century of the season as Surrey led Derbyshire after two days.

Seam bowlers Mark Footitt (4-50) and Peter Burgoyne made early inroads as Surrey reached lunch on 97-3.

But Solanki (93) put on 96 with Zander be Bruyn (40), before both fell to David Wainwright (3-46).

Footitt later took two wickets in two balls as Surrey were all out for 289, while Derbyshire closed on 13-0 in their second innings, trailing by 57.

Somerset's victory by an innings over Middlesex at Lord's means Derbyshire have fallen back in Division One's relegation zone.

Only victory at the Oval will lift the East Midlands side back out of the bottom two, while Surrey, the only side without a win this season, are beginning to be cut adrift at the bottom.

Derbyshire edged the first session of the day, with Footitt claiming the vital wickets of opener Arun Harinath and Hashim Amla (16).

Solanki, who hit 14 fours and a six, spent nearly three hours at the crease, but was fifth man out with the score on 217.

Gareth Batty (35) helped push the hosts close to a third batting point on 287-6, but his dismissal sparked a collapse as four wickets fell for the addition of only two runs.

VIEWS FROM THE COMMENTARY BOX

BBC London 94.9's Mark Church:

"Surrey have their noses in front but have not got away from Derbyshire after another tense day of cricket.

"The home side were indebted to a brilliant innings from Vikram Solanki, who had to use all his experience and his 93 is the highest individual score of the match so far.

"Derbyshire will start tomorrow trailing by 57 runs and this game is still very much in the balance."

BBC Radio Derby's Dave Jepson:

"A deficit of 70 runs on first innings means Derbyshire will probably have to bat well into the fourth day to either save, or win this game.

"Hard though they battled throughout the day, an outstanding innings by Vikram Solanki turned the advantage Surrey's way as they enjoyed the better of proceedings.

"Mark Footitt led the attack with a lionhearted effort and no little pace.

"David Wainwright provided his captain with some much-needed control, but the below-par first-innings score of 219 has left the visitors with an uphill task."

Match scorecard