DAY 3 Close: Northants 161 & 200-5 require another 171 to beat Gloucestershire 294 & 237
The match ended tantalisingly poised at the end of day three at Northampton after an exciting days cricket in which 14 wickets fell and leaves both sides vying for victory.
It was a surprise that play was possible at all given some forecasts, but play went ahead and ended with Northants requiring a further 171 with five wickets remaining.
The Shire were bowled out for 237 in their second innings, failing to build on their overnight 105-1 and post a big target. This was again a failure of batsman to build partnerships - the situation did need not require a big hundred, a few partnerships of 50 or 60 would have secured an unassailable lead.
The chase for a first championship win since 1st September 2007 has been severely hampered by injuries. Alex Gidman was clearly in no fit state to bat, and Ian Saxelby was wheeled out at number 11 - both players would have been expected to contribute significantly. Chris Taylor's 55 was not supported and Glos would have been disappointed to have only posted 370 - around 80 runs short of what they would have been aiming for to almost put a defeat beyond them.
As it is, a defeat is well untruly a possibility as a wonderfully composed partnership of 98 between Andrew Hall (50*) and David Willey (43*) has brought Northants back into the match.
While the close halted a Glos charge last night, the same event this evening will have come as a welcome break for the Shire who had Saxelby and James Franklin unavailable to bowl all afternoon, meaning the part-time seam of Hamish Marshall and Kadir Ali was called upon.
Even though hampered, Glos reduced Nothants to 102-5 and seemingly cruising to victory, but this latest partnership has pressurised the weakened attack and tomorrow could see the game swing either way.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Glos dominate on day two
DAY 2 Close: Glos 294 & 105-1 lead Northants 161 by 238 runs
Gloucestershire enjoyed a wonderful day's cricket on day two at Northampton as they took the initiative in the match and lead by a commanding 238.
Despite only lasting another five overs in the morning, the bowing attack got to work and dismissed Northants for 161. Glos lost Will Porterfield first ball of their second innings but reached 105-1 by the close.
Glos have done well to manoeuvre themselves into a strong position, as play tomorrow is doubtful. But with the lead they have, ten wickets in two and a half sessions on the final day is not beyond them. If they could post a target of 270 it would make for an interesting conclusion, and a good chance of victory.
The opening bowling partnership changed yet again; this time Steve Kirby and James Franklin opened up. Steve Kirby bowled with typical aggression got reward with his 4-41. It was another excellent display with the ball, plenty of control allowing pressure to build and Northants were dismissed for 161, giving Glos a lead of 133.
The day had started in the worst possible fashion for the Shire as they were denied a third batting point. Banerjee and Kirby were picked up within five overs to leave Saxelby stranded on 60. But despite a feeling of having not made the most of their opportunities, the runs on the board have seen Glos slide firmly into the driving seat.
Gloucestershire enjoyed a wonderful day's cricket on day two at Northampton as they took the initiative in the match and lead by a commanding 238.
Despite only lasting another five overs in the morning, the bowing attack got to work and dismissed Northants for 161. Glos lost Will Porterfield first ball of their second innings but reached 105-1 by the close.
Glos have done well to manoeuvre themselves into a strong position, as play tomorrow is doubtful. But with the lead they have, ten wickets in two and a half sessions on the final day is not beyond them. If they could post a target of 270 it would make for an interesting conclusion, and a good chance of victory.
The opening bowling partnership changed yet again; this time Steve Kirby and James Franklin opened up. Steve Kirby bowled with typical aggression got reward with his 4-41. It was another excellent display with the ball, plenty of control allowing pressure to build and Northants were dismissed for 161, giving Glos a lead of 133.
The day had started in the worst possible fashion for the Shire as they were denied a third batting point. Banerjee and Kirby were picked up within five overs to leave Saxelby stranded on 60. But despite a feeling of having not made the most of their opportunities, the runs on the board have seen Glos slide firmly into the driving seat.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Glos batsman flop in satisfactory day
DAY 1 Close: Glos 287-8 (Saxelby 54*, Snell 47; Wigley 4-68)
The Gloucestershire top order again failed on day one at Northampton, but Steve Snell and Ian Saxelby orchestrated a recovery that saw Glos put a score together and edge towards a third batting point.
The 300 mark should be surpassed in the morning and that is a sizable lead with a differing weather forecast. With the bowling attack hitting their straps thus far, working themselves into a strong position is very possible tomorrow.
136-5 was not what Alex Gidman had in mind when he won the toss and decided to bat first. The new ball claimed Kadir Ali and Hamish Marshall cheaply, but the remainder of the order, save Jon Lewis, worked themselves to a useful start, only to be dismissed.
Perhaps it is etched into the Shire's batsman; an ability to get one's eye in, look in good touch, play some nice strokes, but a lack of application to cash in on opportunities to score runs. This was certainly evident in the batsman today.
At least two of those players that found themselves in the high thirties have it in their job descriptions to produce a big total if scoreboard pressure is to be developed - I have mentioned this factor several times already, perhaps Mr. Bracewell should show the players this blog to identify that any old mug can see what they're failing to achieve!
Snell managed to knuckle down as far as 47 but it was number nine that was the first man to pass fifty. A controlled innings from Saxelby saw him reach an unbeaten 54 and saw out the close with Vikram Banerjee who successfully negotiated 29 balls for five runs.
The Gloucestershire top order again failed on day one at Northampton, but Steve Snell and Ian Saxelby orchestrated a recovery that saw Glos put a score together and edge towards a third batting point.
The 300 mark should be surpassed in the morning and that is a sizable lead with a differing weather forecast. With the bowling attack hitting their straps thus far, working themselves into a strong position is very possible tomorrow.
136-5 was not what Alex Gidman had in mind when he won the toss and decided to bat first. The new ball claimed Kadir Ali and Hamish Marshall cheaply, but the remainder of the order, save Jon Lewis, worked themselves to a useful start, only to be dismissed.
Perhaps it is etched into the Shire's batsman; an ability to get one's eye in, look in good touch, play some nice strokes, but a lack of application to cash in on opportunities to score runs. This was certainly evident in the batsman today.
At least two of those players that found themselves in the high thirties have it in their job descriptions to produce a big total if scoreboard pressure is to be developed - I have mentioned this factor several times already, perhaps Mr. Bracewell should show the players this blog to identify that any old mug can see what they're failing to achieve!
Snell managed to knuckle down as far as 47 but it was number nine that was the first man to pass fifty. A controlled innings from Saxelby saw him reach an unbeaten 54 and saw out the close with Vikram Banerjee who successfully negotiated 29 balls for five runs.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Spearman and Franklin fit for Northants
TUESDAY 28th APRIL
Northants (a)
Northampton, LVCC, 11:00
Gloucestershire will go into Tuesday championship match at Northampton firmly believing they are capable of playing the cricket required to win four-day matches.
Several players have found early-season form and it will be a case of bringing an all-round game together to produce a first victory for two years.
In the games against Surrey and Essex the bowling attack - minus James Franklin for the best part of the second match - has threatened as a unit. So much so, as their is uncertainty over who should take the new ball. Jon Lewis' natural swing is an obvious choice but whether to partner him with the pace and aggresion of Steve Kirby, or the variation of Franklin's left-armers.
Somewhere between Alex Gidman and Franklin is an excellent all-rounder. Franklin has performed in his cricket so far, however, to fulfil his all-rounder mould, we need to see him produce runs at number six and be able to marshall the tail. It has been Lewis that has provided lower-order resistance thus far, but hopefully the New Zealander will find his range.
Gidman has been steadily accumulating runs and successfully backing up the bowling attack with his seamers. He needs to kick on and make a big score in this match to affirm his credentials as the club's premier batsman.
One of the batters needs to take their innings further and cash in. We have seen 60's and 70's so far, but that is only half the job for the top order. If 400 plus is going to be a regular first-innings achievement then we need to be seeing our specialist batsman scoring heavily.
Will Porterfield - on the back of his impressive season debut on Sunday - has been included in the 12-man squad.
Northants (a)
Northampton, LVCC, 11:00
Gloucestershire will go into Tuesday championship match at Northampton firmly believing they are capable of playing the cricket required to win four-day matches.
Several players have found early-season form and it will be a case of bringing an all-round game together to produce a first victory for two years.
In the games against Surrey and Essex the bowling attack - minus James Franklin for the best part of the second match - has threatened as a unit. So much so, as their is uncertainty over who should take the new ball. Jon Lewis' natural swing is an obvious choice but whether to partner him with the pace and aggresion of Steve Kirby, or the variation of Franklin's left-armers.
Somewhere between Alex Gidman and Franklin is an excellent all-rounder. Franklin has performed in his cricket so far, however, to fulfil his all-rounder mould, we need to see him produce runs at number six and be able to marshall the tail. It has been Lewis that has provided lower-order resistance thus far, but hopefully the New Zealander will find his range.
Gidman has been steadily accumulating runs and successfully backing up the bowling attack with his seamers. He needs to kick on and make a big score in this match to affirm his credentials as the club's premier batsman.
One of the batters needs to take their innings further and cash in. We have seen 60's and 70's so far, but that is only half the job for the top order. If 400 plus is going to be a regular first-innings achievement then we need to be seeing our specialist batsman scoring heavily.
Will Porterfield - on the back of his impressive season debut on Sunday - has been included in the 12-man squad.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Glos dominate in second one-day win
Gloucestershire 268-9 beat Surrey 140 by 128 runs
By Dom Mather
The Shire recorded a second one-day victory of the season as they brushed Surrey aside by 128 runs at Bristol.
Ian Saxelby starred with 4-31 after Will Porterfield's 74 from 84 balls set up the win.
After losing the toss and being asked to bat it was a stuttering start for Gloucestershire; Kadeer Ali and Hamish Marshall both fell early, caught behind off the very aggressive bowling of Andre Nel. But when Will Porterfield and skipper Alex Gidman joined forces in the middle the runs started flowing for the home side.
Porterfield hit three consecutive boundaries in one over, and the fifty partnership came up after only 56 balls. Porterfield’s run a ball half-century, with seven fours, also brought up the Glos’ 100 off 22 overs.
But Alex Gidman was given out to a debateable LBW on 31 off the South-African born Grant Elliot. And Elliot removed danger-man Porterfield for 74 off 84 balls.
Glos then stumbled to 183-6 after losing David Brown and Steve Adshead in consecutive balls, but Chris Taylor took took the innings forward, hitting 63 in partnership with Jon Lewis, who made an excellent 32 from 30 balls.
286-9 - aided by 3 penalty runs courtesy of a Jade Dernbach beamer - looked an extremely competitive total and so it proved as almost from the beginning of the Surrey reply you could tell that they were in trouble; Surrey were reduced to 85-6 before being rolled for just 140.
Taylor claimed a trademark stunning catch at gully to give Saxelby his first wicket, before enducing a top-edge from Brown for his second.
Steve Kirby removed Mark Ramprakash for a duck, as his edge was taken spectacularly by Adshead and a farcial run-out saw Jon Batty depart.
Taylor took an even better catch to remove Elliot - an absolutely phenomenal effort - before Vikram Banerjee picked up two wickets and Saxelby having the final word, as Nel cut into his stumps.
The match looks like a good omen for the Glosters, with Ian Saxelby, Will Porterfield, Chris Taylor and Vikram Banerjee all looking to be in fine form. Here's hoping it may continue to Tuesday's trip to Northampton in the championship.
Official Report: www.gloscricket.co.uk
By Dom Mather
The Shire recorded a second one-day victory of the season as they brushed Surrey aside by 128 runs at Bristol.
Ian Saxelby starred with 4-31 after Will Porterfield's 74 from 84 balls set up the win.
After losing the toss and being asked to bat it was a stuttering start for Gloucestershire; Kadeer Ali and Hamish Marshall both fell early, caught behind off the very aggressive bowling of Andre Nel. But when Will Porterfield and skipper Alex Gidman joined forces in the middle the runs started flowing for the home side.
Porterfield hit three consecutive boundaries in one over, and the fifty partnership came up after only 56 balls. Porterfield’s run a ball half-century, with seven fours, also brought up the Glos’ 100 off 22 overs.
But Alex Gidman was given out to a debateable LBW on 31 off the South-African born Grant Elliot. And Elliot removed danger-man Porterfield for 74 off 84 balls.
Glos then stumbled to 183-6 after losing David Brown and Steve Adshead in consecutive balls, but Chris Taylor took took the innings forward, hitting 63 in partnership with Jon Lewis, who made an excellent 32 from 30 balls.
286-9 - aided by 3 penalty runs courtesy of a Jade Dernbach beamer - looked an extremely competitive total and so it proved as almost from the beginning of the Surrey reply you could tell that they were in trouble; Surrey were reduced to 85-6 before being rolled for just 140.
Taylor claimed a trademark stunning catch at gully to give Saxelby his first wicket, before enducing a top-edge from Brown for his second.
Steve Kirby removed Mark Ramprakash for a duck, as his edge was taken spectacularly by Adshead and a farcial run-out saw Jon Batty depart.
Taylor took an even better catch to remove Elliot - an absolutely phenomenal effort - before Vikram Banerjee picked up two wickets and Saxelby having the final word, as Nel cut into his stumps.
The match looks like a good omen for the Glosters, with Ian Saxelby, Will Porterfield, Chris Taylor and Vikram Banerjee all looking to be in fine form. Here's hoping it may continue to Tuesday's trip to Northampton in the championship.
Official Report: www.gloscricket.co.uk
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Glosters Out To Avenge World Record Loss
SUNDAY 26th APRIL
Surrey (h)
Bristol, FPT, 10:45
By Dom Mather
Gloucestershire meet Surrey tomorrow in their second Friends Provident Trophy match of the season and are hoping for consecutive wins after beating Sussex last week by seven wickets.
James Franklin looks like a shrewd signing, after taking seven wickets whilst adjusting to English conditions he is quickly becoming a key player for the Shire, however after a hamstring twinge he is a doubt and captain Alex Gidman says he will not be sure about the Kiwi until Sunday morning.
Craig Spearman is also in a race against the clock; the former New Zealand Batsman who made 69 runs without falling last Sunday has damaged his thigh and may be out until the match versus Northamptonshire.
Gloucestershire are hoping to make a mends after the last time these teams met in 2007 where Glos lost by 257 runs after Surrey had made a world record 496 in their 50 overs.
One of the hot prospects who is looking to make that happen is left-arm orthodox bowler Vikram Banerjee who took two wickets in consecutive balls at the end of his spell last week; Banerjee had not been in the One Day plans before this season and is now showing former captain Jon Lewis his selection mistake.
After his international duty, during which he scored a century, Will Porterfield returns to the Gloucestershire squad.
Gloucestershire (from): Kadeer Ali, Marshall, Gidman (capt), Spearman, Porterfield, Hodnett, Taylor, Brown, Adshead (wkt), Banerjee, Saxelby, Lewis, Kirby, Franklin.
Surrey (h)
Bristol, FPT, 10:45
By Dom Mather
Gloucestershire meet Surrey tomorrow in their second Friends Provident Trophy match of the season and are hoping for consecutive wins after beating Sussex last week by seven wickets.
James Franklin looks like a shrewd signing, after taking seven wickets whilst adjusting to English conditions he is quickly becoming a key player for the Shire, however after a hamstring twinge he is a doubt and captain Alex Gidman says he will not be sure about the Kiwi until Sunday morning.
Craig Spearman is also in a race against the clock; the former New Zealand Batsman who made 69 runs without falling last Sunday has damaged his thigh and may be out until the match versus Northamptonshire.
Gloucestershire are hoping to make a mends after the last time these teams met in 2007 where Glos lost by 257 runs after Surrey had made a world record 496 in their 50 overs.
One of the hot prospects who is looking to make that happen is left-arm orthodox bowler Vikram Banerjee who took two wickets in consecutive balls at the end of his spell last week; Banerjee had not been in the One Day plans before this season and is now showing former captain Jon Lewis his selection mistake.
After his international duty, during which he scored a century, Will Porterfield returns to the Gloucestershire squad.
Gloucestershire (from): Kadeer Ali, Marshall, Gidman (capt), Spearman, Porterfield, Hodnett, Taylor, Brown, Adshead (wkt), Banerjee, Saxelby, Lewis, Kirby, Franklin.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Green pitch costs Glos
Gloucestershire 155 & 119 lost to Essex 177 & 101-3 by seven wickets
Gloucestershire lost their first county championship match at Bristol, being defeated by seven wickets by Essex, with the primary culprit being the over bowler-friendly wicket.
It was evident from the start of the match that the wicket was too green and overhead conditions enhanced the dominance of ball over bat that saw the match end early on the third afternoon.
After losing the toss, the Shire were always up against it as Essex made the best of first use of the wicket, and when the clouds rolled over on the second afternoon, Glos were fired out for just 119 to set up the Essex victory.
The target of just 97 would have been a stroll for any team on any wicket, and 44 from Matt Walker - in his new lease of life following a switch from Kent - saw Essex home and completed the match with over a day and a half still to play.
One thinks the chief-executive might want a quiet word in the groundsman's ear, as this early finish has cost the club a fair amount of revenue.
The ground clearly was not ready to host a four-day game. The one-day pitch was rolled sufficiently to produce a decent batting deck, but the amount of grass left on this wicket was startling. In addition, the outfield in the three days of cricket so far at Bristol has been extremely sluggish - suggesting not enough time has past since the relaying of the outfield.
One cannot put the blame of the defeat solely on the wicket - Essex were able to put the ball in the perfect areas with more regularity than the Glos attack (although for the second match running they performed admirably); the game might have been a different story had it been played under blazing sunshine for four days; however, when the odds are stacked so heavily in favour of the ball, a proper cricketing contest cannot ensue.
The game between Kent and Hampshire at Basingstoke last year is the prime example of a non-event with the result decided on the toss of the coin.
One would imagine the Sky producers have had strict words with the club in order to roll out as flat and hard a pitch as possible for a TV run-fest, so why was more attention not paid to this four-day pitch so the spectators could have witnessed a proper cricket match? Those who had planned a Friday afternoon watching the culmination have had their plans scuppered through lack of preparation.
When Leicestershire arrive in two weeks time, the hope is that we will have a proper cricket wicket that will enable a more competitive contest that will benefit everybody. It was an amateuristic effort by the club, which saw a very winnable game turn into a lottery and defeat.
Official report: www.gloscricket.co.uk
Gloucestershire lost their first county championship match at Bristol, being defeated by seven wickets by Essex, with the primary culprit being the over bowler-friendly wicket.
It was evident from the start of the match that the wicket was too green and overhead conditions enhanced the dominance of ball over bat that saw the match end early on the third afternoon.
After losing the toss, the Shire were always up against it as Essex made the best of first use of the wicket, and when the clouds rolled over on the second afternoon, Glos were fired out for just 119 to set up the Essex victory.
The target of just 97 would have been a stroll for any team on any wicket, and 44 from Matt Walker - in his new lease of life following a switch from Kent - saw Essex home and completed the match with over a day and a half still to play.
One thinks the chief-executive might want a quiet word in the groundsman's ear, as this early finish has cost the club a fair amount of revenue.
The ground clearly was not ready to host a four-day game. The one-day pitch was rolled sufficiently to produce a decent batting deck, but the amount of grass left on this wicket was startling. In addition, the outfield in the three days of cricket so far at Bristol has been extremely sluggish - suggesting not enough time has past since the relaying of the outfield.
One cannot put the blame of the defeat solely on the wicket - Essex were able to put the ball in the perfect areas with more regularity than the Glos attack (although for the second match running they performed admirably); the game might have been a different story had it been played under blazing sunshine for four days; however, when the odds are stacked so heavily in favour of the ball, a proper cricketing contest cannot ensue.
The game between Kent and Hampshire at Basingstoke last year is the prime example of a non-event with the result decided on the toss of the coin.
One would imagine the Sky producers have had strict words with the club in order to roll out as flat and hard a pitch as possible for a TV run-fest, so why was more attention not paid to this four-day pitch so the spectators could have witnessed a proper cricket match? Those who had planned a Friday afternoon watching the culmination have had their plans scuppered through lack of preparation.
When Leicestershire arrive in two weeks time, the hope is that we will have a proper cricket wicket that will enable a more competitive contest that will benefit everybody. It was an amateuristic effort by the club, which saw a very winnable game turn into a lottery and defeat.
Official report: www.gloscricket.co.uk
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