McCarter Strikes Before Rain Sets In
29 May 2013
Graeme McCarter struck two early blows before rain washed out much of the opening day of the LV=County Championship match with Lancashire at Liverpool.
Only 48.4 overs were possible before the weather closed in and Lancashire posted 175-4 after winning the toss and electing to bat first.
That represented a recovery from 23-3 and 90-4. Simon Katich (73 not out) and Steven Croft (43 not out) frustrated the Gloucestershire attack with an unbroken stand of 85.
Craig Miles made the first breakthrough, having Stephen Moore taken in the slips by Michael Klinger for four with the total on 13.
McCarter then justified his selection ahead of James Fuller by claiming two wickets in quick succession to put the hosts on the back foot.
First the young seamer pinned opener Andrea Agathangelou lbw for 14 and then followed up by having Karll Brown caught by Alex Gidman for a single.
Ashwell Prince helped launch the fightback with 29 before being caught by wicketkeeper Gareth Roderick off Liam Norwell for 29.
At that point Gloucestershire looked to be taking control. But Australian Test star Katich had other ideas, hitting 9 fours as the ball became softer.
He was well supported by Croft, who had struck 6 fours and a six when the rain came. McCarter had figures of 2-49 from 13.4 overs, while Miles sent down seven maidens in his 15 overs for a return of 1-33.
For more details of day one at Liverpool click on Match Reports.
