Dent Half Century Sets Up Exciting Finish
12 May 2014
Chris Dent led the way with a half-century as Gloucestershire set Surrey a victory target of 267 on the second day of the bowler dominated LV=County Championship match at The Oval.
The hosts were bowled out for 132 in their first innings from an overnight 118-6, James Fuller taking two of the wickets to finish with the impressive figures of 6-47 from 16.4 overs.
Dent (54) and Michael Klinger (33) then built on Gloucestershire's lead of 36 with an opening stand of 76, Dent making his runs off 105 balls with 6 fours.
But Chris Tremlett then took a hand for Surrey, claiming 6-59 as the visitors were bowled out for 230 in their second innings.
Hamish Marshall was undefeated on a battling 47 when the last wicket fell, having faced 82 balls and hit 5 fours.
Ian Saxelby, who pulled up while bowling in the match on Sunday, was able to bat and helped Marshall add 31 for the ninth wicket, scoring 20 himself. Graeme McCarter also contributed 20 towards the end of the innings.
Saxelby will have his injury further assessed during the rest of the week.
In the context of a low scoring game a lead of 266 looked healthy for Gloucestershire. But they will need to remove Graeme Smith early tomorrow to press home any advantage.
The Surrey skipper was unbeaten on 34 at the close, having put on 41 with fellow opener Rory Burns. That leaves a further 226 to win on day three.
For more details on day two at The Oval click on Cricket and then Match Reports.
