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    Skipper leads from the front on opening day

    23 June 2019

    Gloucestershire Captain Chris Dent took his run tally in his last three Specsavers County Championship innings to 317 with an unbeaten 82 on the opening day of Gloucestershire’s match against Glamorgan at Bristol.

    The skipper followed up scores of 59 against Sussex and 176 against Leicestershire with another fluent half-century as his side reached 168 for one from 49 overs before rain intervened.

    Miles Hammond contributed 61 to an opening stand of 127 with Dent after an uncontested toss, Glamorgan’s bowlers erring in line and length on a green pitch.

    The visitors improved in the afternoon session and captain David Lloyd had Hammond caught at point. But Gloucestershire had moved into a strong position when the weather closed in.

    Umpires Rob Bailey and Ulhas Ghande decided on an early tea at 3.10pm and hopes of a resumption were frustrated by persistent light drizzle. Play was eventually abandoned for the day at 5.35pm.

    There looked to be something in the pitch for the seamers in the early overs, but Glamorgan bowled too short and wide to capitalise.

    Lloyd used six different bowlers in the opening hour and a half, including two spinners, without being able to force a breakthrough.

    When he brought himself on immediately after lunch, it was a seventh option. Hammond, who had reached a 72-ball half-century played a poor shot to direct a catch straight at Marnus Labuschagne.

    Glamorgan did not help their cause by spilling two slip chances, Lloyd giving Dent a reprieve on 58 and Nic Selman dropping James Bracey on 13, both off Marchant de Lange.

    Bracey has been prolific against the Welsh county during his short career and was poised menacingly on 21 when the rain came.

    Dent had gone to fifty off 64 balls, with 8 fours, and looked increasingly at ease. By stumps he and Bracey had added 41 to build on Gloucestershire’s good start.

    Greater accuracy saw Glamorgan’s bowlers stem the run-rate after lunch, with Dent and Bracey having to work for their runs.

    The two left-handers took few risks and, while occasionally hurried by de Lange, displayed solid technique.

    Michael Hogan was the most economical Glamorgan bowler, conceding 30 runs from his 14 overs. 

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