Surrey crowned champions again as Alec Stewart departs
- Alec Stewart has stepped down as director of cricket at Surrey after 11 years, concluding his tenure with a third consecutive championship title.
- Surrey secured the title following Somerset's loss at Lancashire, marking their first three-peat in red-ball cricket since Yorkshire's between 1966 and 1968.
- Head coach Gareth Batty highlighted Stewart's significant impact on the club and expressed a commitment to building on their recent success.
Alec Stewart has concluded his tenure as director of cricket at Surrey, having led the team to a historic third consecutive Vitality County Championship title. This achievement was confirmed following Somerset's defeat at Lancashire, solidifying Surrey's position as Division One champions. Stewart, who has been with the club for nearly 25 years as a player and 11 years in a managerial role, announced his decision to step down to focus on family, particularly due to his wife's health challenges. Head coach Gareth Batty praised Stewart's irreplaceable contributions to the club, emphasizing the strong foundation he has built for future success. Despite the challenges faced this season, including the absence of key players, Surrey managed to secure their 23rd championship title, showcasing resilience and determination. Batty expressed a desire to continue building on this success, indicating that the team is not yet satisfied and is eager to maintain their dominance in domestic cricket.