South African batsman Hashim Amla hit a magnificent unbeaten double-century as Surrey continued to dominate Hampshire in their County Championship meeting.
Amla, who was twice out for nought against Middlesex last week, reached the close of play on 215 not out, having shared a mammoth partnership with England’s Ollie Pope (113).
It was Amla’s seventh first-class double-hundred and the pair put on 257 in 62 overs for the third wicket, a Surrey record against Hampshire at the Oval.
By stumps, Surrey were 421 runs ahead, on 513 for three, having bowled out Hampshire for a mere 92 on day one, and on course for a first win of the season at the fourth attempt.
James Hildreth became the fourth highest first-class run maker in Somerset’s history as his 39 took him past Bill Alley’s tally of 16,644 to leave him just behind Harold Gimblett, Marcus Trescothick and Peter Wight.
