Gary Wilson top scored for Surrey with 54* against Middlesex

The wicketkeeper has scored 87 runs already in the competition

Surrey and Ireland batsman Gary Wilson is keeping his feet on the ground, despite two match-winning innings with the bat in two days.

The 26-year-old has started the T20 competition in fantastic form, scoring 33 at number six as Surrey posted 128-8 against Essex on Wednesday and then struck an unbeaten 54 as his side made149-4 against Middlesex on Thursday.

On both occasions, the wicketkeeper was needed to help rebuild the innings, coming in at 56-4 against Essex on Wednesday and 32-4 against Surrey on Thursday.

Despite his side having their backs to the wall on both occasions, the Irishman delivered, helping his side set totals that, primarily with the help of spin bowler Gareth Batty, the south Londoners defended.

“It wasn’t an ideal start,” Wilson said after the 28 run victory over Middlesex on the Duckworth/Lewis method. “I can’t wait for the day when our top three fire.

“It’s a special top three but the guys in the middle order are there to rebuild the innings if it goes wrong.

“It was a rebuilding sort of stage. It was mine and Spriegs’ [Matthew Spriegel] day and I thought we played the situation nicely.

“It was important at that time that we just batted. There was a bit of rain around and it’s not easy as you’re not sure how much of a game there is going to be or whether there will be reduced overs.

“It was just bat for a little bit.

“It’s important to try and score at six or seven an over rather than get stuck and we were able to open our arms at the end.”

Despite putting in two match-winning performances with the bat, Wilson was only concerned about the final result.

“It was nice to score runs but at the end of the day it was all about the team winning,” he added.

“I’ve been hitting the ball nicely for a couple of weeks. It’s nice to get games. I enjoy playing in all formats of the game.

“Hopefully I can cement my place in the side. It’s more important that we’ve won the game convincingly in the end.”

His run-a-ball 33 against Essex on a bowler-friendly pitch could be described as the difference between the two sides and after that game, off-spinner Gareth Batty hailed the 26-year-old wicketkeeper.

“I thought Gary Wilson was magnificent with the bat with his score,” the spinner said. “On a different day it was worth a lot more runs.”

The praise went down well with Wilson and he was quick to repay the compliment.

“I didn’t know that. That’s nice of Bats,” the Irishman said.

“He’s been fantastic. He’s reaping the rewards as he works so hard at his game and that’s why he’s getting the rewards.

“He’s a seasoned pro now and you can see how good he is.

“Once we get through the top six with the ball, our spinners come on and just strangle sides and he, without doubt, leads that.”

Surrey’s next Twenty20 game is against Kent at Beckenham on Sunday.