Adam Hollioake hauled Surrey into a commanding position in their CricInfo championship game with second-placed Lancashire at The AMP Oval today.

The Surrey captain produced a superb performance during a marathon spell from Muttiah Muralitharan, compiling his third half-century in the last four innings.

Murali eventually got his man, as he attempted to sweep, but by then Hollioake had stroked 73 off 159 balls in 207 minutes and Surrey were well on top. They finished on 285-8, a lead of 257, after Lancashire captain John Crawley had admitted that a target of 240 would be 'challenging.'

Lancashire's main hope is that their batsmen can deal with Saqlain Mushtaq as adeptly as Surrey's coped with Murali who had to wait until his 29th over before the first of his two wickets.

Mark Butcher built a solid platform for Surrey with 86, his best of the season, sharing in stands of 91 with Mark Ramprakash and 52 with Hollioake. And when Butcher edged Peter Martin behind, Hollioake took over to dominate the final session.

It wasn't the best of days for Lancashire, who were slow hand-clapped for what Surrey fans perceived as time-wasting and Crawley didn't win any friends in the crowd, sending several minutes in discussion with umpire Roy Palmer as he queried a wide decision against left-arm spinner Gary Keedy.

To add to Crawley's frustration, Yorkshire extended their lead at the top of the table and defeat today will concede second spot to Surrey.

© CricInfo