Glos dominate day three to set up victory

DAY 3 Close: Gloucestershire 523-7dec. v Surrey 183 and 136-3 (PTS: Glos 8 Surrey 2)
LIVE ball-by-ball commentary on http://www.gloscricketradio.co.uk/

Gloucestershire rammed home their advantage on day three against Surrey at Bristol, driving their opponents into the ground with their highest total this season.

It was wonderful stuff in the morning session as Alex Gidman, Hamish Marshall & Chris Taylor played some marvellous strokes and battered a toiling Surrey attack. Three wickets were then whipped out to give the Shire sight of victory.

With a lead of 340, patience prevailed as the bowlers nagged away, but were frustrated by a 75 opening stand. It was Marshall that continued his usefulness with the ball, producing an edge from Jon Batty to provide the breakthrough.

Alex Gidman again passed his highest first class score with a powerful 176, and shared long partnerships with Marshall & Chris Taylor.

Marshall also had a hundred at his mercy as the overnight pair continued into the morning untroubled before a ludicrous second-run saw the New Zealander run out by a Regana Herath direct hit and brought to and end a 183 stand.

Taylor was dropped on nought and made Surrey rue their error with rapid scoring. Playing shots all round the wicket, he emphasised the Glos dominance against a Surrey attack that simply lacked interest; the "star" Sri Lankan spinner Herath was completely blown away on his Surrey debut - he didn't deserve his two wickets.

In a must win game, Gloucestershire have responded with some great cricket and are on the verge of pulling themselves back up the table.

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Official report: http://www.gloscricket.co.uk/