DAY 1 Close: Gloucestershire 128 v Sussex 152 (PTS: Glos 3, Sussex 3)
LIVE ball-by-ball commentary on www.gloscricketradio.co.uk
Lightning doesn't strike twice but it seems to when Gloucestershire are involved. Another truly unbelievable day's cricket at Bristol saw 20 wickets fall and another assessment from the ECB pitch inspector beacons - this time there may be no escape from a points deduction.
However, once again, the surface offered no extravagant movement off the pitch. The six LBW decisions in the Gloucestershire innings could certainly all be attributed to batsmen playing across the line - Chris Taylor in particular, who once more worked his way to the highest score in the innings but again played the worst shot of the day.
As I write, the groundstaff are having a long look at the surface they have produced - only a test on a better surface will tell how much of an affect these Bristol wickets are having on the match. One thing is for certain, it is not working in Gloucestershire's favour.
The day was made more remarkable by a fairly comfortable opening stand of 61 between Chris Nash and Mike Thornley. Although sluggish - acceptable for April - the pitch seemed to be playing true. Gloucestershire then ran through the Sussex line up with some decent bowling; Franklin especially just found good areas for his 4/27.
Where do Gloucestershire go from here? Their confidence completely shot on this surface I cannot see them chasing anything above 200 at the very most. Although 24 is a slender lead, it's very much advantage Sussex.
Coverage continues on www.gloscricketradio.co.uk
Official report: www.gloscricket.co.uk
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Status Quo remains for Glos batting
LVCC: Northamptonshire 186 & 243 beat Gloucestershire 86 & 249 by 94 runs (PTS: Glos 3, Northants 19)
Gloucestershire slumped to a very poor defeat at Bristol as their 2010 season got off to the worst possible start.
Steve Snell's 52 when the game was lost was the only moment when a batsmen applied themselves appropriately at the crease as once again, Gloucestershire terrible weakness with the bat was evident.
Thursday's antics could almost be excused. Sides sometimes get rolled for disastrous scores, but it is much more frustrating when players show their ability and give it away.
Kadeer, Dent, Marshall, Gidman and Taylor all got into the 20s in the second innings - when batting appeared fairly straightforward given appropriate concentration - only to surrender their wickets and crumble.
There is a fundamental issue with the mentality of the Gloucestershire batsmen. Time and again the same problem occurs and nothing has been done to address it. A problem so ingrained in the county that only once in the past 11 years have Gloucestershire chased above 300 to win a match.
They had a great opportunity in this match. A glorious warm sunny spring day and a hard pitch - cleared by ECB pitch inspector Jack Birkenshaw - that was becoming easier to bat on. But complete lack of application at the crease saw the home side plunged into the same old problems.
There will be concerns also, for the form of Steve Kirby who followed up a first-innings 1-37 with 17 extremely unproductive overs in the second-innings when bowling against tailenders. There are also long-term fears for Ian Saxelby - out again for an extended period with another shoulder injury.
This match did nothing to suggest Gloucestershire have turned a corner with their mental ability in difficult situations. There was no increased "toughness", "determination" or "winning spirit" that John Bracewell described as necessary. Plenty of soul-searching required before next Wednesday.
Official report: www.gloscricket.co.uk
Gloucestershire slumped to a very poor defeat at Bristol as their 2010 season got off to the worst possible start.
Steve Snell's 52 when the game was lost was the only moment when a batsmen applied themselves appropriately at the crease as once again, Gloucestershire terrible weakness with the bat was evident.
Thursday's antics could almost be excused. Sides sometimes get rolled for disastrous scores, but it is much more frustrating when players show their ability and give it away.
Kadeer, Dent, Marshall, Gidman and Taylor all got into the 20s in the second innings - when batting appeared fairly straightforward given appropriate concentration - only to surrender their wickets and crumble.
There is a fundamental issue with the mentality of the Gloucestershire batsmen. Time and again the same problem occurs and nothing has been done to address it. A problem so ingrained in the county that only once in the past 11 years have Gloucestershire chased above 300 to win a match.
They had a great opportunity in this match. A glorious warm sunny spring day and a hard pitch - cleared by ECB pitch inspector Jack Birkenshaw - that was becoming easier to bat on. But complete lack of application at the crease saw the home side plunged into the same old problems.
There will be concerns also, for the form of Steve Kirby who followed up a first-innings 1-37 with 17 extremely unproductive overs in the second-innings when bowling against tailenders. There are also long-term fears for Ian Saxelby - out again for an extended period with another shoulder injury.
This match did nothing to suggest Gloucestershire have turned a corner with their mental ability in difficult situations. There was no increased "toughness", "determination" or "winning spirit" that John Bracewell described as necessary. Plenty of soul-searching required before next Wednesday.
Official report: www.gloscricket.co.uk
Friday, April 16, 2010
Glos fighting after mixed Second Day
LVCC: Gloucestershire 86 & 85-2 require another 259 to beat Northamptonshire 186 & 243 (PTS: Glos 3, Northants 3)
LIVE ball-by-ball coverage on www.gloscricketradio.co.uk
Gloucestershire are still alive following another entertaining day at Bristol but the home side still face a tough battle to reach their target of 344.
A modicum of normality returned to the cricket before madness resumed after lunch with three wickets reducing the visitors to 134-8. But as Gloucestershire have experienced in the past, they failed to seize the initative.
A ninth wicket partnership of 71 pushed Northants to a very useful lead. John Bracewell will surely be cursing his side's lack of ability to win "the clinch situations" as he described pre-season.
To achieve the target, more positive play than the survival tactics employed in the evening session will be required. But Gloucestershire have the players that can take them to what would be a tremendously morale boosting victory.
The biggest positive for Gloucestershire was further wickets for Gemaal Hussain who picked up two crucial morning scalps and finished with nine in the match. The day would have been even better had Chris Dent clung on until the close, having showed plenty of promise in his 23 before he played a lazy shot.
Coverage continues on www.gloscricketradio.co.uk
LIVE ball-by-ball coverage on www.gloscricketradio.co.uk
Gloucestershire are still alive following another entertaining day at Bristol but the home side still face a tough battle to reach their target of 344.
A modicum of normality returned to the cricket before madness resumed after lunch with three wickets reducing the visitors to 134-8. But as Gloucestershire have experienced in the past, they failed to seize the initative.
A ninth wicket partnership of 71 pushed Northants to a very useful lead. John Bracewell will surely be cursing his side's lack of ability to win "the clinch situations" as he described pre-season.
To achieve the target, more positive play than the survival tactics employed in the evening session will be required. But Gloucestershire have the players that can take them to what would be a tremendously morale boosting victory.
The biggest positive for Gloucestershire was further wickets for Gemaal Hussain who picked up two crucial morning scalps and finished with nine in the match. The day would have been even better had Chris Dent clung on until the close, having showed plenty of promise in his 23 before he played a lazy shot.
Coverage continues on www.gloscricketradio.co.uk
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Wickets clatter as Glos crumble
LVCC: Northants 186 & 34-3 lead Glos 86 by 134 runs
LIVE ball-by-ball commentary on www.gloscricketradio.co.uk
The 2010 season began in spectacular fashion with 23 wickets falling on the first day at Bristol.
The pitch was not at fault for the drama. It was tinged with green, similar to that prepared for the match against Essex a year ago, but bad shot selection was the culprit for the lion's share of dismissals.
Whatever was to blame, the entertainment was unrivalled, with the life-expectancy of batsman around half an hour. The task was to occupy the crease and the one partnership which achieved that produced the difference between the sides: Rob White and Paul Harrison shared 71 for the seventh wicket. Gloucestershire's highest stand was 28.
The home side had bowled with purpose to reduce Northants to 77-6, making the most of helpful overhead conditions. Batting should have become easier once the sun appeared but, White aside, no-one played the conditions well enough and Gloucestershire slumped to their worst championship total for 10 years.
No-one predicted Gemaal Hussain's selection but he bowled with great consistency to pick up 5-36 and then added a sixth for the day as Northants came out to bat again. The selection debate for the fourth-choice seamer is very much alive.
Once again, Gloucestershire are in a game that is very advanced so early in the fixture. Tomorrow's morning session represents their best chance of victory. The only way to recover is to continue the deluge of wickets and fire out Northants quickly.
Coverage continues on www.gloscricketradio.co.uk
LIVE ball-by-ball commentary on www.gloscricketradio.co.uk
The 2010 season began in spectacular fashion with 23 wickets falling on the first day at Bristol.
The pitch was not at fault for the drama. It was tinged with green, similar to that prepared for the match against Essex a year ago, but bad shot selection was the culprit for the lion's share of dismissals.
Whatever was to blame, the entertainment was unrivalled, with the life-expectancy of batsman around half an hour. The task was to occupy the crease and the one partnership which achieved that produced the difference between the sides: Rob White and Paul Harrison shared 71 for the seventh wicket. Gloucestershire's highest stand was 28.
The home side had bowled with purpose to reduce Northants to 77-6, making the most of helpful overhead conditions. Batting should have become easier once the sun appeared but, White aside, no-one played the conditions well enough and Gloucestershire slumped to their worst championship total for 10 years.
No-one predicted Gemaal Hussain's selection but he bowled with great consistency to pick up 5-36 and then added a sixth for the day as Northants came out to bat again. The selection debate for the fourth-choice seamer is very much alive.
Once again, Gloucestershire are in a game that is very advanced so early in the fixture. Tomorrow's morning session represents their best chance of victory. The only way to recover is to continue the deluge of wickets and fire out Northants quickly.
Coverage continues on www.gloscricketradio.co.uk
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
2010 Coverage
There has been no better time to follow your county and this season, Gloucestershire coverage is bigger and better than ever
Gloucestershire Cricket Radio will once again be providing LIVE ball-by-ball coverage of every LV= County Championship match, ensuring every game of Gloucestershire's season is broadcast live.
Join the team from 10:55 each day on www.gloscricketradio.co.uk for full coverage of Gloucestershire's promotion push.
The Gloucestershire Cricket Podcast - featuring the best analysis and reaction - will also be available to download from www.gloscricketradio.co.uk - log on now to download the season-preview, including the thoughts of Alex Gidman, Jon Batty and John Bracewell.
This blog will continue to provide the best analysis, reaction on the web and updated faster than anywhere else! Ensuring that Gloucestershire cricket is properly covered, as it deserves to be.
Also, log on to www.twitter.com/glosccc for all the lastest Gloucestershire cricket updates - the best way to keep in touch with regular updates throughout every day of the season.
As ever, all the official club news is available on www.gloscricket.co.uk and updates at www.twitter.com/gloscricket.
Gloucestershire Cricket Radio will once again be providing LIVE ball-by-ball coverage of every LV= County Championship match, ensuring every game of Gloucestershire's season is broadcast live.
Join the team from 10:55 each day on www.gloscricketradio.co.uk for full coverage of Gloucestershire's promotion push.
The Gloucestershire Cricket Podcast - featuring the best analysis and reaction - will also be available to download from www.gloscricketradio.co.uk - log on now to download the season-preview, including the thoughts of Alex Gidman, Jon Batty and John Bracewell.
This blog will continue to provide the best analysis, reaction on the web and updated faster than anywhere else! Ensuring that Gloucestershire cricket is properly covered, as it deserves to be.
Also, log on to www.twitter.com/glosccc for all the lastest Gloucestershire cricket updates - the best way to keep in touch with regular updates throughout every day of the season.
As ever, all the official club news is available on www.gloscricket.co.uk and updates at www.twitter.com/gloscricket.
Friday, April 02, 2010
Marshall wants International Return
Gloucestershire batsman Hamish Marshall has signalled his desire to return to international cricket - with Ireland.
Marshall holds an Irish passport and would be eligible to play for them from April 2011 - subject to ICC approval.
But the former New Zealand international gave assurances to his county commitments: "I certainly love playing county cricket with Gloucestershire and plan to do so for some time yet.
"However, I miss international cricket and, being an Irish passport-holder, there's hopefully an opportunity to combine both with Ireland," he said.
Marshall, who last played international cricket at the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies and who has test century against Australia to his name, has also expressed an interest in coaching in the country.
Cricket Ireland coach Phil Simmons said: "It would be a great boost for Irish cricket to have a player of the calibre of Hamish Marshall available."
Should Marshall play for Ireland he would link up with Gloucestershire team mate Will Porterfield and would also reverse a trend of cricketers moving away from the Irish national side. Eoin Morgan and Ed Joyce both represented Ireland before making the switch to play for England.
Marshall holds an Irish passport and would be eligible to play for them from April 2011 - subject to ICC approval.
But the former New Zealand international gave assurances to his county commitments: "I certainly love playing county cricket with Gloucestershire and plan to do so for some time yet.
"However, I miss international cricket and, being an Irish passport-holder, there's hopefully an opportunity to combine both with Ireland," he said.
Marshall, who last played international cricket at the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies and who has test century against Australia to his name, has also expressed an interest in coaching in the country.
Cricket Ireland coach Phil Simmons said: "It would be a great boost for Irish cricket to have a player of the calibre of Hamish Marshall available."
Should Marshall play for Ireland he would link up with Gloucestershire team mate Will Porterfield and would also reverse a trend of cricketers moving away from the Irish national side. Eoin Morgan and Ed Joyce both represented Ireland before making the switch to play for England.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Ground given Go-ahead
Bristol City Council have voted in favour of the planning application for the development of Gloucestershire County Cricket Ground - despite it being "shot with holes".
After much discussion, the plans were passed by five votes to three and Gloucestershire's ambitions to transform Nevil Road into a proper international cricket venue can become reality.
The consensus among councillors was that the ground provided significant benefits to Bristol but there were objections to the application, particularly surrounding the scale of the proposed student accommodation, with Councillor Anthony Negus (Cotham, Lib Dem.) describing the plans as being "shot with holes".
Cllr Negus had serious reservations over the height of the student accommodation. "I am a conservation architect. We're making serious concessions on two grade listed buildings. I'm very worried," he said.
Overall though, councillors accepted the need for the development for the benefit of Bristol. "What is Bristol about? Having major sporting facilities is what makes Bristol, Bristol," said Cllr Steve Comer (Eastville, Lib Dem.) "We want to encourage kids to play sport. You can't do that with a development at Cribbs Causeway."
Cllr Jay Jethwa (Stockwood, Con.) recognised the need for development for the club and the city. "Bristol lacks up to date sporting facilities. I fully sympathise with local residents but there is a desperate need to update this cricket ground," she said.
With plans approved, it will be a final opportunity for fans of the Mound stand to take their seats - the stands adjacent to the City of Bristol college will form phase one of the development with building set to commence at the end of the coming season.
Phase two will see the pavilion end developed at the close of 2011 with the whole project set for completion by the end of 2012.
So how will Gloucestershire cope until 2014 without any international cricket (save this year's Bangladesh match) and mounting debt? The chances of squad development will be almost non-existent, with the possibilities of holding onto to sought-after players becoming slimmer. It may well be things have to get worse before they can get better.
Worse indeed, because a large debt will need to be serviced long into the future - something that is said to be preventing many clubs from major investment in their playing staff. It will be some years before the Gloucestershire accounts show a surplus once more, so how can success on the field be nurtured during this period?
What Gloucestershire can now do is sell the future. Nevil Road is secure and the prospects of vastly improved cricketing facilities, corporate entertainment and spectator comfort can be used to improve not only the club's balance sheet but the commitment to the actual cricket club also.
Could this be the beginning a new era for a forward-thinking Gloucestershire CCC?
After much discussion, the plans were passed by five votes to three and Gloucestershire's ambitions to transform Nevil Road into a proper international cricket venue can become reality.
The consensus among councillors was that the ground provided significant benefits to Bristol but there were objections to the application, particularly surrounding the scale of the proposed student accommodation, with Councillor Anthony Negus (Cotham, Lib Dem.) describing the plans as being "shot with holes".
Cllr Negus had serious reservations over the height of the student accommodation. "I am a conservation architect. We're making serious concessions on two grade listed buildings. I'm very worried," he said.
Overall though, councillors accepted the need for the development for the benefit of Bristol. "What is Bristol about? Having major sporting facilities is what makes Bristol, Bristol," said Cllr Steve Comer (Eastville, Lib Dem.) "We want to encourage kids to play sport. You can't do that with a development at Cribbs Causeway."
Cllr Jay Jethwa (Stockwood, Con.) recognised the need for development for the club and the city. "Bristol lacks up to date sporting facilities. I fully sympathise with local residents but there is a desperate need to update this cricket ground," she said.
With plans approved, it will be a final opportunity for fans of the Mound stand to take their seats - the stands adjacent to the City of Bristol college will form phase one of the development with building set to commence at the end of the coming season.
Phase two will see the pavilion end developed at the close of 2011 with the whole project set for completion by the end of 2012.
So how will Gloucestershire cope until 2014 without any international cricket (save this year's Bangladesh match) and mounting debt? The chances of squad development will be almost non-existent, with the possibilities of holding onto to sought-after players becoming slimmer. It may well be things have to get worse before they can get better.
Worse indeed, because a large debt will need to be serviced long into the future - something that is said to be preventing many clubs from major investment in their playing staff. It will be some years before the Gloucestershire accounts show a surplus once more, so how can success on the field be nurtured during this period?
What Gloucestershire can now do is sell the future. Nevil Road is secure and the prospects of vastly improved cricketing facilities, corporate entertainment and spectator comfort can be used to improve not only the club's balance sheet but the commitment to the actual cricket club also.
Could this be the beginning a new era for a forward-thinking Gloucestershire CCC?
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