DAY 3 Close: Middlesex 203 & 167-7 need another 122 to beat Gloucestershire 268 & 223 (PTS: Middlesex 4, Glos 5)
LIVE ball-by-ball commentary on www.gloscricketradio.moonfruit.com
Bad light destroyed what was set up as a fascinating final session at Lord's that should have seen Gloucestershire complete their first victory of the season.
Having dismissed Gareth Berg caught down the legside off Gemaal Hussain - another cracking afternoon for him - just after tea, the visitors were swinging their way to victory under cloudy skies, with Hussain also picking up the crucial wicket of Dawid Malan after a half-hour delay.
But the light that the umpires took the players off for the first time had improved by the time a second delay was called - a bizarre dicision - and stumps was called.
How umpires Steele and Kettleborough came to decide that conditions were dangerous the second time they took the players off had to be questioned - certianly Steve Kirby, who didn't bowl after tea, remonstrated with the umpires for a long time.
Despite the frustration of a fourth day for the first time this season, Gloucestershire should complete victory with just Tim Murtagh, Iain O'Brien and Dan Evans to dismiss - and Evans may not bat after not taking the field on day three.
They need not worry about Shaun Udal's potential heroics. They need to bowl at the other end and wrap up a much-needed win.
The day had began in fine fashion for Gloucestershire. Jon Lewis swung the bat in an entertaining 43 and shared 70 with Chris Taylor, who made 61. The stand progressed 123-7 to 193-7 and suddenly Gloucestershire had a match-winning lead. For once a window of opportunity was grasped.
Coverage continues on www.gloscricketradio.moonfruit.com
Official report: www.gloscricket.co.uk
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