Fuller On Fire As Bowlers Hit Back
11 May 2014
James Fuller claimed four wickets as Gloucestershire fought back strongly on an action-packed opening day of the LV=Championship match with Surrey at The Oval.
The day did not start well for the visitors when Michael Klinger lost the toss and Surrey elected to field first in bowler-friendly conditions.
Only Will Tavare (59) and Klinger himself (24) made much impression as Gloucestershire were bowled out for 168 in 56.4 overs. Seamer Matt Dunn claimed career-best figures of 5-48.
But Fuller contributed a useful 17 not out at the end of the innings and was soon making inroads into the Surrey batting.
The hosts closed on 118-6 with the pace bowler returning 4-38 from 11.4 overs. There were also wickets for Matt Taylor (1-36) and Benny Howell, who claimed the key scalp of home skipper Graeme Smith, lbw for 14, in claiming 1-28.
With Zafar Ansari having retired hurt because of an elbow injury on nine, Surrey's main hopes of getting past Gloucestershire's total rested with Jason Roy, who was unbeaten on 44 at stumps.
The home side were 62-6 at one stage before Chris Tremlett (19 not out) helped Roy add 56 for the seventh wicket.
Klinger's men suffered an injury worry of their own as the luckless Ian Saxelby limped off after bowling only two balls. Fuller completed his over.
For more details of day one at The Oval click on Cricket and then Match Reports.
