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A Game We Should Not Have Lost - Bracewell

19 August 2012

John Bracewell blamed poor batting technique for the 18-run defeat by Lancashire at Bristol, which ended Gloucestershire's hopes of reaching the Clydesdale Bank 40 semi-finals.

The Director of Cricket was disappointed that the team failed to chase down a modest target of 183 to win after a good bowling display, headed by Ed Young (3-25).

In reply, the hosts slumped to 16-4 and, despite valiant innings from Alex Gidman (36) and James Fuller (43), they were bowled out for 164, Glen Chapple claiming five of the wickets.

At the close John told this website: "While I have to give credit to Chapple for bowling gun barrel straight, our players stopped moving their feet.

"Fifty per cent of our dismissals were down to that fault. It is brought about by pressure built by the bowlers or because of the game situatiion.

"We cannot keep playing the inexperience card. Our batsmen know that if you don't move your feet at Bristol you are likely to get out.

"We were caught on the crease line too often on a wicket where you had to play forward or back. We have played enough cricket at Bristol to know better.

"In reality I think it was a 220 pitch and we did very well to restrict Lancashire to 182. We attacked their top order and exposed their tail, which meant they made a below par score.

"Chapple knows how to bowl on most wickets and hit the right line and length on this one."

The result put Group A leaders Lancashire in the semi-finals as they cannot be overtaken on 16 points. Gloucestershire remain on 11 and cannot qualify.

For details of the game click on Cricket and then Match reports.

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