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Smith Set To Face Top Dogs Essex

20 July 2014

Tom Smith looks set to return to Gloucestershire's NatWest T20 Blast team against South Division leaders Essex at Cheltenham today.

The left-arm spinner was omitted against Surrey on Friday, but skipper Michael Klinger is keen to have more slow bowling options after seeing the way the pitch played in the five-run defeat.

There could be as many as three spinners used against Essex as Smith has been named in a 13-man squad, along with Jack Taylor.

Chris Dent's occasional left-arm spin was used against Surrey and the opening batsman could again provide back-up in that department.

Michael Klinger told this website: "It was basically a good pitch to bat on against Surrey, but the slower bowlers on both sides were effective.

"We could well go with an extra spinner against Essex in what it goes without saying will be a very tough game against strong opponents"

Will Gidman, who bowled well against Surrey, is rested with the LV=County Championship game against Worcestershire, starting tomorrow, in mind.

Essex have won ten of their 11 South Division matches and are already guaranteed a home quarter-final.

Gloucestershire (from): M.Klinger (capt), C.Dent, A.Gidman, I.Cockbain, H.Marshall, B.Howell, A.Rouse (wkt), T.Smith, J.Taylor, D.Payne, G.McCarter, L.Norwell, W.Tavare.

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