DAY 1 Close: Middlesex 71-4 trail Gloucestershire 268 by 197 runs (PTS: Glos 3, Middlesex 3)
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All it took is a ride away from that dastardly pitch at Bristol for Goucestershire to realise they could bat.
Gloucestershire relished the trip away from the Westcountry and although they fell short of where they perhaps should have totalled, the final analysis of the opening day at Lord's shows they dominated.
Alex Gidman elected to bat and a day of success at the wicket beckoned as Hamish Marshall danced his way to 72 - a flourishing innings from the New Zealander - and Jon Batty played his way into form with a careful 49. But again poor shot selection ruined a great opportunity.
Iain O'Brien picked up a very bland seven-for. It was his best first-class return but he will be able to count a multitude of occasions when he has bowled better. Both Marshall and Taylor both tried to force off the back-foot and offered simple chances, while Gidman slogged Shaun Udal straight in the air.
But the disappointment with the bat was cushioned by two batting points and crucially, runs on the board - always the better position to be in. And when Kirby roared in from the pavilion end to dismiss Shah, Strauss and "nightwatchman" O'Brien the situation of the match looked considerably in Gloucestershire's favour.
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Official report: www.gloscricket.co.uk
O'Brien bowled very well for his 7 wickets, 'bland' is being unkind. He was helped, though, when the sun was replaced by the cloud cover after lunch.
ReplyDeleteWhy bat Franklin at 7, after his Sunday innings? He middled the ball right from the off and although he could have protected the tail better, batted with some real authority.
Yours from the Edrich Upper and the Pavilion.
Was Mr Bean spotted at Lourdes today?