Cleator cricketer Jordan Clark shone, as cricket welcomed back some spectators in a friendly between Surrey and Middlesex which piloted the return of crowds.

Clark was the second top scorer for Surrey with his unbeaten 67, just behind Scott Borthwick’s 87 as his side reached 335 from their 90 overs at The Oval.

And he showed his style with the bat with his innings including three sixes and four fours.

Middlesex replied with 303-6 in the friendly clash, which was watched by 1,000 spectators, the first time fans have been allowed to watch live sport since the start of the coronavirus lockdown.

Clark had a spell with the ball in hand as well, bowling four overs, claiming figures of 36-0.

The all-rounder tweeted after the game: “Great to see members and spectators back at the oval and credit to @surreycricket for making it a success.”

Fans were spaced by alternate rows and two-seat gaps per group across two stands, and hand sanitiser was available all around the ground.

With the event being hailed a success, the Government’s guidelines will be tested with even more people in attendance, with the capacity lifted by more than double on August 1-2, when Surrey and Middlesex meet again and the Bears take on Northamptonshire in the new first-class competition.