OFFICIALS at the Oval have finally been forced to admit that matters have reached crisis point. Anchored at the foot of the AXA table and still without a win, until the final overs they seldom looked likely to overhaul Worcestershire's modest target.

Choosing to bat first, Worcestershire managed only five boundaries in their innings. The Surrey bowlers did a good job, seldom offering any width on a difficult pitch. This was well illustrated by Graeme Hick who managed only one boundary from the 57 balls he faced, even if that was an exquisitely timed flick off his legs against Saqlain Mushtaq.

By contrast, Ben Hollioake celebrated his Test recall by going through his full repertoire of shots. Surrey needed an injection of purpose, having meandered their way to 52 for four in the 14th over when he arrived at the wicket.

It appeared that his 42-ball innings, containing two sixes and three fours, might have engineered a winning position before Jonathan Batty and Martin Bicknell picked up the baton.

However, Batty's run out and some intelligent bowling and field setting would have been the cue for a requiem.

England captain Alec Stewart missed the match after injuring an ankle in pre-match fielding practice but declared himself fit for the forthcoming Test match.