T20: Gloucestershire 403-5 v Derbyshire 19-0 (Pts: Glos 5, Derbys 1)
Gloucestershire enjoyed a good day as uninterrupted play was possible on day three at Chesterfield.
Resuming at 58-1, the Shire reached 403-5 as the batsman cashed in on a flat pitch and poor bowling. However, with no arrangement in place to declare innings, the game is set for a draw.
Hamish Marshall starred with the bat, making 158 beautiful runs in his best innings for a very long time. He played shots all round the wicket and executed perfect timing with regularity as he showed his class and only gave one chance as he batted throughout the afternoon, only for a loose stroke to dismiss him in the first over after tea.
Clearly disappointed with his dismissal as he walked off, Marshall was just 11 short of his highest score in first-class cricket. He had looked in total control and it was fantastic to see a great start finally be converted into a big score.
Alex Gidman also played well for his 135. He looked very nervy early on, and immediately after lunch where poor footwork almost cost him is wicket, but once he became settled the timing returned and a perfect back-foot drive through extra-cover was one of the highlights of the afternoon.
However, when both fell after tea, the innings almost stalled completely. Chris Taylor edged Glos to maximum batting points for the first time this season, to only leave time for three overs to bowl after the declaration.
And those three overs were some of the worst of the day. Derbyshire did not bowl well at all, far too erratic and no consistency meant pressure was never built, but Steve Kirby and Anthony Ireland had three slips and a gully in place, and proceeded to bowl at the batsman's legs - Chris Rogers struck four effortless boundaries and neither opener was tested, which was an opportunity lost in a situation where Glos had a good chance to pile the pressure on the opposition.
Good to see Marshall get some runs, and a responsible innings, under his belt.
ReplyDeleteIt's unlikely we'll get a win tomorrow, but if Anthony Ireland gets another 6-31 we may have a chance. Gloucestershire should go all out attack as they have no chance of losing, aggressive bowling would increase the slight posiblilty of a positive outcome.
Kadeer's not doing well! Perhaps Woodman will be given a go in the next game.
Really enjoyed the commentary today, looking forward to tomorrow.
Echo the comments above, coverage was excellent when I was able to tune in. Unfortunately, realistically I can't see us getting near a win; I suspect we may just have to try to harvest as many bowling points as possible.
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