Borthwick ready to replace runs of ‘king’ Sangakkara for Surrey

He may indulge in a spot of people watching from time to time but Surrey all-rounder and one-time England leg-spinner Scott Borthwick is not prepared to simply let the world go by.

Borthwick is keen to “get back on the horse” this summer having made a stuttering start to life at the Oval during his debut campaign last year, scoring just 446 County Championship runs at an average shy of 25.

Such statistics were completely at odds with his output in each of the previous four campaigns when the 27-year-old surged through the 1,000-run barrier for former club Durham on traditionally unfavourable batting tracks.

The need to replace a seemingly endless supply of runs from Sri Lanka great Kumar Sangakkara, who announced his retirement from first-class cricket in 2017, has heightened the need for a productive campaign.

Kumar Sangakkara averaged more than 100 for Surrey during 2017 (Source: Getty)

“Losing Sanga [Sangakkara] was a massive blow – he is the king,” Borthwick tells City A.M.

“But its a good thing in some ways. For the likes of myself, [newly-appointed skipper] Rory Burns and Rocky [Mark Stoneman], when he is around, it is up to us to really step up and put the numbers on the board that Sanga did.

“For whatever reason, I didnt get runs last year. As a batter, there are three ways to get out: you either play a bad shot, you get a good ball or you get a dodgy decision. Whichever one it was, it just kept happening last season.

“Going into games knowing I had a lack of runs was something new for me. Ever since I moved to No3 in the batting order Id scored runs, and even if I didnt in one match, I would the week after.

“To go all last year thinking Ive not scored runs here was difficult, but it happens. Im raring to go this year and Im actually more excited this year than last. Im itching to go.”

Borthwick featured for England during the 2013-14 Ashes (Source: Getty)

Everything is in place for Sunderland-born Borthwick to thrive. Having relocated from the north east prior to last season, he is now settled in Balham and feels completely at ease within the Surrey dressing room. In fact, he is a fully-fledged convert to London living.

“I feel at home now,” says Borthwick. “Even last year I feel like I fitted in and really enjoyed London. As a northern boy coming down from a little place in Sunderland to the Big Smoke, its chalk and cheese.

“As a Durham cricketer playing in London, I always used to enjoy it but was happy to get back. But when you live in London, you appreciate it a bit more and realise why so many people live here and what an amazing city it is.

“I enjoy the fast-paced nature of it. I sometimes get on the tube and just watch people. I enjoy the whole business of London.”

Borthwick moved to the Oval in a bid to boost his prospects of earning and England recall (Source: Getty)

Borthwick has not featured in an England Test squad since his selection for the fifth and final instalment of the 2013-14 Ashes annihilation in Sydney, a debut precipitated by the abrupt mid-series retirement of fellow twirler Graeme Swann.

Batting has since become the increasingly dominant facet of the left-handers game and Borthwick was name-checked by England head coach Trevor Bayliss in 2016 following his shift up the order to No3.

A call-up in the intervening period has not materialised, although Borthwick has in no way relinquished hope of once again pitting his wits against the worlds best with three lions emblazoned on his chest.

“Its nice when you get talked about,” added Borthwick.

“Its an ego boost, especially back then [in 2016] when it was the first time that people spoke about me as a batter. Its nice to hear people talking about you doing well. I dont see it as extra pressure, its just an ego boost.

Morne Morkel has joined Surrey on a two-year Kolpak deal (Source: Getty)

“Playing Test cricket is amazing. Ive had one go at it in 2014 – it seems like a long time ago – and its definitely my ambition. The reason I joined Surrey was to become a better cricketer, learn, play at this amazing stadium and on this amazing wicket.

“Its definitely a massive ambition of mine to get back into Test cricket.”

Surrey begin their quest for a first County Championship crown since 2002 when they host Hampshire tomorrow and have signalled their intentions by luring recently-retired South Africa seamer Morne Morkel to the capital.

Morkel will be charged with conjuring life from the Ovals benign pitches and adding further bite to Surreys attack in a bid to turn some of their 10 draws from last term into title-winning victories.

Asked whether he has faced 6ft 5in Kolpak signing Morkel in the nets yet, Borthwick said: “Not yet, thankfully. I think when hes in the nets Ill stay out for a couple of throws.

“When you look at the Oval wicket, it can be pretty flat, but he offers something different with his extra height. Hes an incredible signing.

“He has 300 Test wickets and is a proper bowler. He seems like a really good guy as well. Hell be a very good signing and Im sure he will get the best out of this wicket.”

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