Dent And Gidman Hit Festival Tons
10 July 2013
Chris Dent spoke of his delight after scoring a career-best 153 for Gloucestershire on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival match with Kent.
The 22-year-old opener has now scored two of his three first-class hundreds at the College Ground, having made his maiden ton at the venue against Surrey two years ago.
Along with Alex Gidman, who made an unbeaten 145, the pair put on 267 for the third wicket as Gloucestershire closed in a commanding position on 348-3.
"I love playing at Cheltenham because the atmosphere is great and the wicket is always a good one," said Dent.
"You get full value for your runs and don't have to do too much running, which is nice on a hot day like this!"
Dent showed good patience and discipline to reach his century from 205 balls before he and Gidman upped the tempo in the closing session.
Dent added: "I felt it was time I really knuckled down and got some big runs in first-class cricket. Batting against the Aussies the other week gave me a bit of confidence because they are a good bowling attack and I played alright against them. So I thought I would try to take that into this game.
"There were a few periods where they bowled well. But you have to accpet that and play patiently because you are not going to have a whole day where a team bowls badly.
"We chat about the importance of going on to get a big score once you get in and I was pleased to do that today.
"Michael Klinger, being an Australian, has brought that kind of mentality into the team and I felt I had to go on and get a big score. Anyone can get out early on any deck, so once you do get in, you need to try to cash in with a big innings."
For more details of a memorable first day at Cheltenham click on Cricket and then Match Reports.
