Australian left-handers Mike Hussey and Jeff Cook laid the foundations for a solid Northamptonshire score against the reigning champions Surrey at Wantage Road.

Coming together following the demise of Mal Loye with only eight on the board, Hussey (75) and Cook (80) added 172 in 40 overs as the home side reached 320-4 at the close, fully justifying acting-captain Tony Penberthy's decision to bat first.

Their stand set a new county record against Surrey, eclipsing the 154 posted by Cook's namesake, former skipper Geoff, and David Steele at The Oval in 1977.

Northants might still have struggled after collapsing in mid-afternoon from 180-1 to 186-4 in the space of five overs, but another substantial partnership was forthcoming from Penberthy (62 not out) and Alec Swann (64 not out).

They batted right through the final session of the day, putting on 134 to make certain of three batting bonus points – with power to add.

Surrey had made the ideal start when Loye edged Alex Tudor to Graham Thorpe at third slip in the fourth over of the morning, but Hussey and Cook made the most of another good batting pitch at Northampton to tilt the balance back in Northants' favour.

Cook hit 12 fours in his 121-ball knock while Hussey, who eventually became a second victim for leg-spinner Ian Salisbury, stroked eight boundaries in a stay of three-and-a-quarter hours.

Swann and Penberthy completed their half-centuries in successive overs just before the close, making it a largely frustrating day for last year's Division One winners.

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