Day 3, Close: Gloucestershire 343 & 19-1 need another 127 runs to beat Derbyshire 157 & 331 (PTS: Glos 5, Derbys 3)
LIVE ball-by-ball commentary on www.gloscricketradio.co.uk
In the corresponding fixture last season, Gloucestershire fell to the most miserable defeat of modern times. Dismissed for 70 in pursuit of 120. Tomorrow they face a similar task and have the chance to exorcise those demons.
They need 146 to win. It should be an absolute cakewalk given the nature of this pitch and the overhead conditions. The hard part of batting in this match has been against the new ball. Once that is overcome, batting is remarkably easy, as demonstrated by big partnerships in the middle order of two innings in this match.
Greg Smith was part of the second large stand of the match. He's not the most aesthetically pleasing player but he was mighty effect and scored at an excellent rate. He was badly dropped by Chris Dent on 99 but fully deserved a century.
his runs have given Derbyshire another sniff - they will claim belief from last season's heroics. A major difference this year is the absence of Graham Wagg. His variation and genuine aggression was a major factor in last season's collapse. This pitch is also flatter. Gloucestershire should be ok.
LIVE coverage continues tomorrow on www.gloscricketradio.co.uk
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