Surrey openers Mark Butcher and Ian Ward piled on the agony for Yorkshire at Headingley today by taking their first wicket partnership to 161 before Ward fell to Chris Silverwood for 70, writes David Warner.

Butcher soon followed him back to the pavilion, out for 83 to Steven Kirby's first ball, and by the time Surrey had reached 179 for two they had a lead of 39.

Left-handers Butcher and Ward resumed their partnership today on 115, both batsmen having completed their half-centuries last night, Butcher with seven boundaries off 91 balls and Ward with six fours off one fewer delivery.

Yorkshire had been shot out for 140 yesterday after being put in to bat and Surrey were already in complete control of the match and well placed for a second consecutive victory.

On a much cooler morning, Silverwood and Ryan Sidebottom exercised more control than the Yorkshire bowlers had shown earlier on and it was the third over before Butcher speared Silverwood over the slips for four. Later in the over, the England batsman was fortunate to see a ball high up the bat land just short of gully.

Once again, England selector Geoff Miller was on the ground and also watching the action today was Australian Rod Marsh who was in charge of the England Academy over the winter months when Matthew Wood, Steven Kirby and Sidebottom were three of his 'pupils'.

Surrey moved on to 141 without loss to go into the lead and things were looking bleak for Yorkshire until Silverwood found the inside edge of Butcher's bat again and this time he played into his stumps. He had rapped out 70 with ten fours, the wicket going down at 161.

Silverwood was rested soon afterwards and replaced by Kirby who got rid of Butcher with his first delivery. The batsman slashed at a wide one and was caught at second slip by Wood.

Updated: 14:21 Thursday, April 25, 2002