DAY 1 Close: Gloucestershire 144-3 v Middlesex 153 (PTS: Glos 3, Mid 1)
LIVE commentary on www.gloscricketradio.co.uk
Gloucestershire claimed maximum bowling points on day one of the county championship match against Middlesex at Bristol, as they closed very much in the ascendancy.
Jon Lewis' 3-34 was the pick of an excellent bowling display from the Shire who dismissed the visitors for just 153 after winning the toss.
Favourable bowling conditions were well exploited and Glos chipped away at the wickets to push Middlesex onto the back foot. And although similar conditions continued into the afternoon, the home batsman applied themselves better to close just nine runs behind.
Steve Kirby continued his wonderful form, bowling with genuine pace, troubling all he bowled to, and was worth more than his 2-16.
Will Porterfield waltzed back into championship cricket with a patient 53 that contained some lavish strokes, but the Shire did offer chances, and Middlesex were unlucky although chances were shelled. The innings threatened to stutter as three wickets went down for 42, but a partnership of 40 between Craig Spearman and Chris Taylor has set Glos to take full control of this game tomorrow.
Official report: http://www.gloscricket.co.uk/
Good start from the Shire, will be looking to push on and if we get there declare on 400 to take maximum points. with 13 wickets falling on the first day and the weather looking good we should almost certainly have a positive result.
ReplyDeleteSo far so good for captain Craig!