An absorbing day's cricket at Ilford saw 17 wickets fall although Pitches Liaison Officer Raman Subba Row, who was in attendance, said the matter would be automatically reported to Lord's. But it was his recommendation, and that of the umpires, that it was unnecessary for a Pitch Inspector to be summoned and he stated that the pitch was dry and brown at the start and the ball swung and occasionally moved off the pitch.

Although Essex skipper Ronnie Irani lost the toss for the sixth time in a row in the competition, that was his only personal reverse as he followed up a five-wicket haul with an unbeaten 55 as Essex replied to Surrey's 198.

Opposite number Adam Hollioake also enjoyed a rewarding day, restoring some semblance of order with 77 after he had arrived at the crease with his side 21-3.

He featured in the highest partnership of the day – 99 with Gary Butcher – and took 22 from one Ashley Cowan over that included five successive boundaries and saw him past his half-century.

But Irani wrapped up the innings in the post-lunch session, taking the last four wickets, including that of Hollioake, to end with figures of 5-58 although the bowler's delight was soon tempered with his side also losing quick wickets.

Martin Bicknell and Mark Butcher made early inroads with two wickets apiece to leave the home side reeling on 42-4 and it needed Irani's influence – this time with the bat – to bolster his team.

He found valuable support from debutant Richard Clinton and the 19-year-old left-hander played confidently, hitting 36 before falling to Ed Giddins to end a stand worth 86 runs.

Irani though remained defiant to the end, despite watching his side lose two more wickets in the closing overs to leave Essex still 53 runs adrift of their opponents with three wickets remaining.

© CricInfo Ltd.