Top order batsmen will be challenged - Dawson
3 September 2018
Gloucestershire head coach Richard Dawson believes the strength of the bowling attacks on show in the Championship match against Middlesex starting on Tuesday (10.30) is likely to test the main run scorers in both teams.
Whilst Gloucestershire were beating Leicestershire at the Brightside Ground last week, Middlesex maintained an interest in the promotion race with victory over Sussex.
It was their third win in a row and with second placed Kent still to play, a return to Division 1 for the 2016 champions remains a possibility, especially if Tim Murtagh and James Harris add to their combined tally of 93 wickets.
"Middlesex have come back from a tough period and played some good cricket" Dawson said. "Murtagh's action doesn't take a lot out of him and and he and Harris are good bowlers in seaming conditions because they bowl a full length and attack the stumps, which brings lbw frequently into play."
"Against Leicestershire technique and the mental side of the game were important. It wasn't necessarily about scoring quickly, it was about occupying the crease and having a good defence, and that is what's necessary if the ball swings and seams around. The top orders will be challenged by good bowling."
Gloucestershire's own leading wicket taker, Ryan Higgins, has enjoyed a productive first season following his move from Lord's last autumn. His four wickets in each innings against Leicestershire took his total to 39 with four games left, and Dawson has welcomed the flexibility he has given the attack.
"Ryan is really handy because he can bowl first or second change as well as taking the new ball, and we've had opportunities to use him differently on different pitches because he brings batsmen forward" he went on. "He's also done more than one job because he can contain if he isn't taking wickets. He could have a lot of bowling to do yet and hopefully he can get past the 50 wicket mark."
Gloucestershire add off spinner George Drissell to the side that beat Leicestershire. Ben Charlesworth has been released by his school to be involved, and further selection for the 17 year old over the remaining three games will be assessed on a week to week basis.
Squad :
Dent (c), Hammond, Bracey, Howell, Roderick, J.Taylor, Higgins, Charlesworth, Miles, Payne, M.Taylor, Drissell.
Middlesex have named 14 players for the match, with Tim Murtagh, Paul Stirling and Robbie White added to the team that defeated Sussex.
Squad :
Robson, Gubbins, Eskinazi, Malan (c), Morgan, Holden, Harris, Fuller, Rayner, Bamber, Finn, Murtagh, Stirling, White.
Coverage:
You can follow the match via the live scorecard available on the website, or via Twitter @Gloscricket.
Ball by ball commentary is also available on the BBC Sport website.
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