News

Will Strikes But Northants Dominate Opening Day

23 May 2012

Will Gidman claimed two of the four wickets to fall as Northamptonshire ran up 302-4 on the opening day of the LV=County Championship match at Northampton.

At the close the all-rounder had figures of 2-57 from 18.2 overs, while brother Alex had 1-36 from 11 and Ian Saxelby 1-56 from 20.

One of Will's wickets came in the final over of the day when he sent back Alex Wakely for 24 and Gloucestershire stuck to their task throughout a day made for batting.

James Middlebrook's 121 was the foundation of the Northants total, while Kyle Coetzer hit 81 not out and Stephen Peters 44. But at no time did the home side cut loose.

Skipper Alex Gidman told this website: "I was pleased with how we bowled. Although we didn't take many wickets, we controlled the scoreboard and kept the run rate down.

"It wasn't a good day to lose the toss because the pitch was flat and slow and the ball didn't swing for us. It was all about staying patient as a fielding side.

"A few nicks didn't quite carry and we probably deserved a couple more wickets. But it's always nuce to get one at the end of the day hopefully we will reap the rewards of our labours tomorrow."

Of his own bowling, Alex said: "I just felt it would give us a better balance if I could send down some overs and I have been working towards it.

"I really enjoyed bowling today, although I got my wicket with probably my worst ball as Middlesbrook was caught in the covers.

"We have a lot more work to do tomorrow, but it's a decent pitch for batting on and hopefully we can capitalise on that when it is our turn."

For more details of day one at Northampton click on Cricket and then Match reports.

• Previous
• Next