As we basked in late summer sunshine and England's glorious series victory, the Surrey team enjoyed a well deserved break and a chance to recharge their batteries before the final charge, writes DOMINIC BURGESS.

And no one has earned his time off more than Alec Stewart whose captaincy, impeccable strokeplay, faultless wicketkeeping and superb fitness levels have played a major part in both teams' success. Hopefully this summer's success will be a springboard to further achievement which may even include bringing the Ashes home this winter.

The Surrey contingent also enjoyed success in the First Class Counties game against South Africa as Ali Brown and Ben Hollioake scored 70s and Martin Bicknell took three cheap wickets.

And Surrey's Jan Brittin also did us proud in the women's Ashes series when she overtook Rachel Heyhoe Flint's previous aggregate record in scoring her second successive century.

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