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Gloucestershire near victory after gripping third day in Hove

29 April 2018

It was another gripping day of action in Hove on the third day of Gloucestershire's Specsavers County Championship match against Sussex.

Chasing 167 to win, Gloucestershire looked in control when they reached 69 for 1. But Stiaan van Zyl picked up two wickets in successive balls and then had Jack Taylor caught behind.

Ollie Robinson claimed the key wicket of opener Benny Howell who was in fine form with the bat before being dismissed for 45.

As the light deteriorated, Sussex were forced to bring on left-arm spinner Danny Briggs who removed Graeme van Burren after van Burren had added 23 with Ryan Higgins.

But conditions got too worse and when the players came off because of bad light, Gloucestershire were 108 for 6, 59 runs from victory with Sussex requiring four more wickets.

A dire forecast on Monday could dampen the proceedings of an eventful and thrilling fixture. Both sides had periods of control on an absorbing third day. Although the odd ball misbehaved the pitch played pretty well but overhead conditions were poor throughout with the lights on from the start.

Sussex resumed on 51 for 2 and lost wickets at regular intervals. Opener Harry Finch batted through the morning session. They then lost van Zyl, who nicked Dan Worrall to slip, and Luke Wright, lbw to Higgins, in successive overs and before lunch Ben Brown (16) and Michael Burgess (17) had also departed.

Finch was dismiseed after losing his middle stump to Worrall for 48 after lunch. The Australian ended the innings when he had Ishant Sharma lbw to finish with 4 for 45 while Higgins’ three wickets gave him a match haul of 8 for 86.

Gloucestershire lost skipper Chris Dent (13) when Robinson beat him with late seam movement but Howell and Roderick appeared to be putting their side in a strong position with a stand of 45 in 13 overs.

Then van Zyl nipped one away and Roderick was caught behind to give Ben Brown his 300th first-class catch. Howells’ patient innings was ended by Robinson before van Zyl picked up Taylor.

Gloucestershire regrouped through Higgins and van Burren but Briggs deceived van Burren (9) with his arm ball to put the match towards an interesting finish. 

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