Shaw, Higgins and Payne rattle through Surrey batsmen

RORY Burns made just four runs on his first competitive appearance since being dropped by England as Surrey slipped to 220 for nine against Gloucestershire on the opening day of the County Championship season, writes Alex Winter.

The opener will be hoping to use the domestic season to boost his chances of a recall, but he faced just 16 balls before becoming the first man to fall at Bristol in Group Two of the revamped competition.

Josh Shaw recorded figures of four for 48 and Ryan Higgins contributed three for 35 to ensure the hosts did not squander winning the toss on a green-tinged pitch before they were denied the chance to finish Surrey off inside the day by late rain. Former South Africa captain Hashim Amla top-scored for Surrey with 56.

Burns angled through the slips for four before he edged to second slip driving at one from David Payne that swung away, and Ollie Pope (22) also drove loosely to backward-point.

Ex-Somerset man Jamie Overton made a streaky 40 down the order – edging Payne just wide of second slip and George Scott also narrowly past a catcher at a good height. He went on to flick Shaw to fine leg to raise a batting point, but eventually fell dragging Payne into his off stump trying to force off the back foot.

Gloucestershire paceman Shaw said afterwards: “We’re really happy with that. We wanted to bowl on that wicket and we’re pleased with how we’ve gone. When you’ve got Surrey 220 for nine it’s only a good thing.”