Glos in command at Bristol

DAY 2 Close: Gloucestershire 439-5 lead Kent 264 by 175 runs (PTS: Glos 8, Kent 3)
LIVE ball-by-ball commentary on www.gloscricketradio.co.uk

Gloucestershire enjoyed a wonderful day two against the champions Kent at Bristol; racking up 439-5, they have built up a commanding lead and will look to complete a maximum-points victory still with two days to play.

For the first time, the Glos line-up continually recovered from set-backs, rebuilt the innings and meaningful contributions can be found all down the card; Alex Gidman the only major failure.

Scoring above four-an-over throughout the day, Marshall's 86-ball 87 was one of four sumptuous innings in the day but he again gave it away with a loose piece of cricket, falling caught behind hanging his bat outside off stump and falling to the gentle seamers of Darren Stevens. Chris Taylor also played a poor stroke, top edging a pull stroke seven balls after tea; a hundred was there for the taking for both players.

It took the more focused mentality of James Franklin to bring three figures up. Franklin often has the awe of a higher class cricketer, and it was on show today, as he displayed admirable discipline. His patience was tested by James Tredwell regularly, but the New Zealander devised a plan to score against him and was able to work the off-spinner well, including the shot of the day - his lofted drive over extra-cover for six was truly the shot of an international player.

Steve Adshead cashed in late in the day, as Mat Coles had a championship debut to forget. 17 overs 1-121 for the 19 year-old, while Adshead made his merry well to 86 not out and will have high hopes to extend that tally, and Gloucestershire's dominance, tomorrow.

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Official report: www.gloscricket.co.uk