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Glos Take Control on Day Two

6 July 2021

Gloucestershire take charge against Middlesex as they build up a lead of 345 on day two of the Visit Cayman Islands Cheltenham Cricket Festival.

Gloucestershire were without David Payne who was called up to England’s ODI squad to play Pakistan but it mattered not as Matt Taylor claimed four for 19 - his best return of the season - and 21-year-old Tom Price three for 29 in just his second first-class match.

Payne’s replacement, Dom Goodman, took a wicket with his fourth delivery, but the visitors were steady at 76 for two replying to 248 just before lunch. the wheels started to come off when Dan Worrall struck twice in two balls before lunch.

He got one to nip back and flick Sam Robson’s bails for a well-made 37 before Daryl Mitchell was caught on the crease and palpably lbw. Peter Handscomb made just his fifth score over 20 this season but, on 21, he pushed at one from Taylor that left him a little and edged behind. 

Middlesex wicketkeeper John Simpson was also called up by England but his replacement Robbie White made just 5, which proved the top score of anyone batting lower than number four. Price had Martin Andersson caught at slip driving far too loosely and took out Blake Cullen and Ethan Bamber lbw to finish the innings off.

In 10.2 overs Middlesex tumbled wildly to be bowled out just 101 before Gloucestershire went to the close 198 for six in their second innings, with James Bracey making 88.

With a huge lead of 147, Miles Hammond followed a first-innings 75 with 46 before Bracey rammed home the advantage. He drove Tim Murtagh smartly through midwicket on his way to a 95-ball half-century but he drove Mitchell to backward point just before bad light curtailed the day.

Before that, Jack Taylor made a sprightly 40 in 29 balls. He cut and drove Nathan Sowter’s legspin for four before hoisting him over long-off for six. He then drove Murtagh for three fours in an over at the start of his second spell.

Gloucestershire will resume in a strong position on day three with the Price brothers in the middl and the total at 198/6.

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