Vandalism adds to Surrey's problems

Not a happy place at the moment © Getty Images

Surrey's season is in freefall on the field, and now they will have to review their security arrangements after vandals broke into The Oval on Thursday night and dug up a section of the outfield. Their actions, compounded by heavy overnight rain and a broken super-sopper, meant that little play was possible on the second day of the Championship match against Middlesex.

The vandals, who are believed to have climbed the perimeter wall to gain access, used a spade to dig a hole about ten feet long by one foot wide just behind the popping creases at the Vauxhall End of the ground. Bill Gordon, the groundsman, discovered the damage early on Friday and used turf from outside the boundary to effect repairs.

The Oval stages several one-day internationals this summer on top of the Test against West Indies, and as a result of the incident, security is being stepped up. Until now, the only guards have been by the main entrance at the Hobbs Gate, but dogs will now be brought in to protect the playing area.