SURREY remain in the box seat against Yorkshire at The Oval, although the visitors at least managed to strike three times during the opening afternoon.

This is Yorkshire's 12th of 14 Specsavers County Championship matches and they have a mountain to climb if they are going to win it.

Surrey reached tea at 259-3 from 64 overs, including 131 for England Test opener Mark Stoneman.

Jack Brooks, Tim Bresnan and Ryan Sidebottom picked up a wicket apiece.

Brooks had Rory Burns caught behind for 75 to end an opening stand of 178 inside 41 overs with fellow left-hander Stoneman.

Bresnan then had Stoneman caught at first slip as he attempted to cut. He had earlier reached his century off 125 balls.

When Ryan Patel edged Sidebottom behind for 27 attempting to drive, Surrey were 255-3 in the 62nd over.

By tea, Kumar Sangakkara had reached ten not out and Ben Foakes was on two.