County Championship Round 10: Gloucestershire v Hampshire

 

Preview:

Gloucestershire’s First Class season comes down now to one match: win or draw and the Shire will go into Division 1 and will fight for the County Championship and the opportunity to fight for the Bob Willis Trophy too. Lose and it will be Division 2. After the remarkable events of the last day at Cheltenham against Middlesex, the Shire control their own destiny in a game that may be rain affected.

The initial target is two bonus points: either 6 wickets, or 250 runs on Day 1 that will ensure that a draw is enough to stay ahead of Hampshire.

The ultimate target though is a sixth win. The first game between these two sides had a heart-stopping finale with the Shire avoiding an innings defeat thanks to a seventeen over last wicket partnership between Josh Shaw and Dominic Goodman that gave the Shire eight points that, ultimately, may be the difference between these two sides in the final table.

With multiple players recovering from injury or unavailability and doubtful, the squad announcement was delayed. There have been some interesting decisions: who will open the batting given that Chris Dent was finally ruled out, despite some speculation that he could play? Would the Shire pick Graeme van Buuren instead of Glenn Phillips, who has struggled in the red-ball side? Would Tom Smith or Josh Shaw get a game? Not too many people guessed the starting XI against Middlesex and the squad for this game was even harder to guess right.

Dominic Goodman looked short of match fitness against Middlesex and is the only player from the XI against Middlesex to miss out from the final XIII: he is replaced by the massively improved Josh Shaw. Jack Taylor retains his place in the squad, but the betting is that Ryan Higgins will replace him in the final XI. Ian Cockbain is considered fit enough to play a four-day game and will slot into the middle order, which means that George Scott may continue as emergency opener.

A possible XI is:

Scott

Hammond

Bracey

Lace

Phillips

Cockbain

Higgins

Price O.

Taylor M.

Worrall

Shaw

Day 1:

James Bracey won the Toss and, in common with the other two captains in Group 2, decided to bat. Given that Gloucestershire’s four captains had only won 4 of 19 tosses this season (at odds of 1-in-135 of that kind of luck), this was big news. Our man at the ground reported that it looked indeed like a batting day with a mixture of blue sky and fluffy cumulus clouds, although the cloud started to build up and the Sun vanished shortly after play started. The pitch was brown, with only a hint of green in the middle. In the end, the only change in the XI from the Middlesex match was the return of Ryan Higgins in place of Dominic Goodman, which strengthened both the batting and the bowling and, meant that, for consecutive games, the Shire was fielding two pairs of brothers.

Barker opened to Miles Hammond, who tucked the first ball of the match off his hip for a single to start the scoreboard moving. Barker’s fourth deliver beat everything and went for a bye and Miles Hammond added a single from the final delivery. So, 3-0 after the first over and the Shire on their way, although the radar was already showing ominous amounts of very heavy rain pushing into the Cornish Peninsula, with some lighter rain already almost into Somerset. In the fourth over, Miles Hammond produced a glorious drive for a boundary then, next ball, a seemingly peeked Abbott picked up Hammond’s defensive push and, despite that fact that he was fixed in his ground, flung the ball towards the stumps, missing everything (had he hit the batsman, it would have been 5 penalty runs) and going for 4 overthrows. So, 17-0 after 4 overs and the tension was already obvious. Initial impressions though, were favourable: Miles Hammond was looking in excellent form again and George Scott, despite some nervous moments, was holding his own. After 11 overs it was 33-0. Wheal replaced Abbott, which meant that Bracey and Scott had completed the first part of their job of seeing off the New Ball attack. Miles Hammond greeted the new bowler with a lovely Cover Drive for four first ball while, when Barker continued for a sixth over at the other end, George Scott chopped him four and a two to more than double his First Class aggregate for the season.

On came the second change, De Grandhomme. George Scott, who had already overtaken Miles Hammond, turned the ball to leg for the single to bring up the 50 in the 15^th over. The change bowling was tight and, finally, the second of two, big appeals against George Scott was given and he was sent on his way, LBW De Grandhomme, for 31 (66 balls, 3x4): 61-1 in the 21^st over. Scott, though,had done his job and done it well. In came James Bracey. Out went James Bracey. A ball from Wheal went straight through him and he was bowled for a duck. 66-2 in the 22^nd over and that good start was no longer looking so good. As the rain reached the Bristol – Bath line, the change bowling was making it look a completely different game: just sixteen runs had come in the last 10 overs and Abbott was back for a second burst. His extra pace allowed Tom Lace to guide the ball past the Slips for a four to open his account. However, Miles Hammond had completely gone to sleep and the hammer blow came when De Grandhomme angled one across him that Hammond edged gently to the ‘keeper: he waited, but there was not much doubt to be had – 72-3, Hammond 31 (74 balls, 5x4). The good start was unravelling badly. Tom Lace desperately needed runs and reached double figures for just the third time since his 97, with a Cover Drive for four off De Grandhomme.

On came Mason Crane for the obligatory over of spin before Lunch. 81-3 from 31 overs, Lace 14*, Phillips 0* and the Shire in need of a big stand.

Glenn Phillips got going in the first over after Lunch, taking a 3, a 2 and a single from successive balls, but a couple of overs later got a ball that kept very low: interesting! Misbehaviour from the pitch already on the first day??? Another delivery, same bowler, same length hit Tom Lace on the thigh pad and produced a loud LBW appeal, despite obviously passing well over the stumps. Phillips needed some red-ball runs to convince the sceptics and seemed to have worked out a plan to get them: Crane gave him one in his zone and he hit it high over Mid-On, just giving it enough distance to fall over the rope for six. That brought up the 100 in the 37^th over: half way to a bonus point. Would we see a heroic stand? No, we would not. Abbott caught Tom Lace on the inside of the leg and trapped him LBW (104-4, Lace 19) and Lace had to hobble off, clearly in some pain. Glenn Phillips had decided not to be tied down and slashed at a ball outside off that should have been caught at Slip, instead going for four. Next ball he tried a Chinese Cut, but with less success. Ryan Higgins took his cue from there and also started to play his shots: a Crane over went for 11, including consecutive boundaries for Ryan Higgins then, next over, he also took consecutive boundaries from Barker. Once more, a partnership was building, but Crane ended it by beating Higgins’ drive and bowling him: 139-5, Higgins 25 and those two batting points still a long way off. Jack Taylor was beaten first ball and then launched his second, back over the bowler’s head for 6. Then, Barker bowled a short one that did not get up; Glenn Phillips swivelled and planted it over Mid-Wicket for 6. That was the 150 up in the 46^th over.

There seemed to be a conscious decision that, poking  around, a ball would get you, so the batsmen were going to play some shots. It was odd to see on the first afternoon of such an important match, but this definitely looked like a result pitch.

Back came De Grandhomme and whack! Glenn Phillips sent his first ball hurtling to the boundary. 76 runs had come in the first hour after Lunch and Phillips was approaching his fifty at breakneck pace. The knowledge seemed to paralyse him and, suddenly, the runs dried up. The inevitable result was that with him just one shot from his maiden 50 for the Shire, he went for the wrong ball and edged to Slip for 47 (77 balls, 4x4, 2x6): 173-6, Wheal 2-26. The match had turned sharply back to Hampshire. They now had two bowling points.

A lot depended on Jack Taylor. You felt that 250 and those vital two bonus points was the minimum requirement but, all the while, increasingly heavy rain was getting closer and closer. When it arrived, it looked unlikely that there would be any more play. The batsmen, though , kept busy. It was 183-6: 102 scored in 90 minutes after Lunch. On came Crane. Very short ball. Jack Taylor swivelled and the ball thumped into the boundary boards was a tremendous crash. Wheal tried to bounce Ollie Price and the ball was hooked confidently for four: just 7 needed for the first bonus point. An edge from Jack Taylor went in the air, but safe, for four: 198-6. Crane dropped one very short, Ollie Price swivelled, Short Forward Square Leg dived for cover and the boundary brought up the 200 and the first bonus point in the 61^st over. The rain had now reached Stroud. With the ball getting a battering, Hampshire asked for it to be changed and got their wish. 213-6 at Tea and a session of non-stop action. Hampshire the happier of the two sides, but 250 is in clear view and, with that, the Shire would have something to bowl at.

When play resumed the light was awful. As Abbott came on to bowl the second over after Tea there was already some raining falling. The over was completed, but the rain quickly got heavier and that was that. 214-6, Taylor 34*, Price 18*.

So, a day that has swung one way and the other. On balance, slightly favouring Hampshire but, if the last four wickets can add 60-70 more runs, the game will be swinging back towards the Shire. #GoGlos  

Day 2:

After a very wet night, a new band of heavy rain was approaching Cheltenham in the morning but, fortunately, broke-up as it reached the Cotswolds. After a cracking first day, in which Gloucestershire had scored faster than any other side batting round the country (save, marginally, for Nottinghamshire), the position was nicely set up for Day 2. It was cloudy, but there was an on time start.

De Grandhomme to Ollie Price, first up, with just one slip. The quiet start with a maiden was in sharp contrast to what was to come. At the other end, Abbott removed Jack Taylor in his first over when a ball got up very big on him and he could only chip a catch that Gubbins took, running in and diving to pick it up, inches from the ground. Two balls later, De Grandhomme induced an edge from Ollie Price that was taken behind. The mayhem continued. First ball, Matt Taylor got a straight one, was trapped on the crease and De Grandhomme was on a hat-trick. 214-6 had become 214-9 in just 4 balls. Dan Worrall defended the hat-trick ball and then went for a wahoo that he Chinese Cut for a single. However, he also produced a nice Cover Drive that went from three, slowing up in hill in the lush grass. A pull off De Grandhomme went to the Mid-Wicket boundary: Dan Worrall was not planning to die wondering. A solid blow for two from Tom Price that also stopped, going up the hill but, once again, left the ball out of shape and needing to be changed for a second time. Tom Price also decided to try his luck with De Grandhomme and produced a big outside edge that flew over the Slips for four. 229-9 and on came Crane to tease out the last wicket. The batsmen did not need much teasing: Dan Worrall tried to hit him into the next County and Alsop took a good, diving catch. 219ao and a sad subsidence on Day 2.

What was increasingly obvious was that there was a small spot on a good length at one end from which the ball could rear up or keep very low. Hit it and life became very interesting for the batsman… and the bowler.

The Hampshire batsmen set off at a pace. Ryan Higgins could have got Holland in just his second over, but his inside edge just beat the dive of James Bracey and ran for four: it would have been an amazing catch, but it set the tone for what was to come. 23-0 from the first 5 overs was not the start that Gloucestershire wanted to see after their collapse. Ryan Higgins was troubling the batsmen and had several oud LBW shouts, he then got an edge from Holland that flew between Glenn Phillips at 1^st Slip and Miles Hammond at 2^nd. Both dived, but the ball went to ground. 30-0 from 10 overs. On came Matt Taylor and immediately had yet another LBW appeal turned down.  Tom Price came on for Ryan Higgins, with no better luck. The 50 came up in the sixteenth over with a No Ball that Holland hit for four. He then followed it up with a guide past the Slips for another four. Weatherley then glanced Ollie Price for the boundary to Fine Leg that saved the nominal follow-on (in case there was a super-optimist in the house).

88-0 from 23 overs at Lunch. Holland 33*, Weatherley 42*. Hampshire scoring quickly and obviously with the intention of batting just once in the match.

After Lunch, it was the same tonic: Holland played and missed constantly, but failed to get the edge that bowler was looking for. Up came the 100 in the 30^th over. Our man at the ground commented that the atmosphere was very flat, as if, rather than trying to take wickets, the bowlers were just waiting for a mistake, but the mistake was not coming. Another genuine outside edge off Ryan Higgins beat James Bracey and ran away for four to give Weatherley his first 50 of the season (101 balls, 6x4). Frustration after frustration.

When a chance was offered, again it went down. Tom Price dropped one short. Holland pulled hard and Tom Lace dropped it at Mid-Wicket. Again, not the easiest chance, but should have been taken. 127-0 in the 27^th over at that point and yet another opportunity to separate the batsmen had gone begging. And, again, an outside edge that went safely went down towards the Third Man boundary and the two runs brought the deficit under 100. Two runs turned to leg off Matt Taylor brought up Holland’s 50 (129 balls, 8x4), but the number that really stuck out was the 26 extras in a score of 136-0. An Ollie Price over went for 15, including three consecutive boundaries and up came the 150 in the 46^th over. Hampshire were dominating totally. It smacked of an innings defeat and the end of the Division 1 dream.

Some sloppiness crept in. The fielders were throwing themselves around and chasing everything, but Glenn Phillips came on to bowl and was No-Balled first ball (one of nine No Balls delivered during the day) because he had three men behind square on the leg side. That said, he broke the partnership with his third legitimate delivery as James Bracey took a smart catch from an inside edge: 174-1, Holland 74 (157 balls, 12x4). The wicket led to the sort of mini-collapse that was always possible. Ryan Higgins kept plugging away and, finally, a catch stuck in the Slips when Weatherley edged him to Glenn Phillips for 78 (177 balls, 9x4): 186-2 and both openers gone in quick succession after a big opening stand. In came Gubbins, recently arrived from Middlesex. Glenn Phillips was getting some nice shape on the ball, but needs to be more accurate to be really effective, which meant a four-ball each over and a release of pressure. However, Ryan Higgins’ probing length and line at the other end was creating difficulties. Alsop pressed forward to him, the ball taking the edge, giving Glenn Phillips another low catch at 1^st Slip. It was now 193-3, with two new batsmen at the crease and an opportunity for the Shire with the New Ball approaching. Gubbins and Prest consolidated and chipped away at the deficit until the latter clipped George Scott away for the single that levelled the scores in the last over before the New Ball.

Dan Worrall took the New Ball and immediately took a wicket. Prest edged and Ollie Price took a wonderful catch at 3^rd Slip, one handed, low and diving to his right: 229-4. Three leg byes put Hampshire in the lead, before a Ryan Higgins Yorker to De Grandhomme produced a huge LBW appeal: yet another good-looking appeal that was turned down. It bought him a reprieve of just as single ball as Higgins got another outside edge and Ollie Price took another excellent catch: 232-5. Gloucester roaring back. Yet another huge shout was turned down when Dan Worrall pinned McManus: has there been a day when an umpire has turned down so many good LBW appeals? Gubbins and McManus were scoring mainly in boundaries and the lead was increasing alarmingly quickly. Up came the 250 and the second batting point in the 86^th over.

So, we came to the last over of the day and more drama. Gubbins slashed at the first ball and Ollie Price took the ball brilliantly on the half-volley, believing that he had taken it cleanly: for a moment it looked like another extraordinary catch. Even then we were not finished: McManus played and missed the last ball of the day, somehow not touching it. Twice in that last over Matt Tayor was was so close to putting the cherry on the day for the bowlers, who had stuck to their task, but had had little luck.

270-5 from 94 overs at the Close. Gubbins 31*, McManus 14* have stifled the fightback but, at one point, it looked like being much worse. The match is still live. A big effort is needed in the first hour tomorrow.

Day 3:

We keep talking about “big first hours”. Rarely though do they turn out to be such. Today, in contrast, we do genuinely have a big first hour. Gloucestershire can either keep the lead under control with early wickets, or face defeat and the loss of their Division 1 options sometime tomorrow. If the Hampshire lead passes 100, their chances of a win increase massively and the pressure on Gloucestershire will be intense when they bat again. Time may become a factor, so slowing the game down would also be crucial if wickets did not come.

Today, though, that first hour was lost and lost badly and it set the tone for the day. The bottom line? Gloucestershire are still alive on Day 4, but it will take an almighty effort to save the draw.

Dan Worrall started to Nick Gubbins, who cut the third ball powerfully for four. Once again, though, it was Ryan Higgins who settled into a good line and length and immediately beat McManus outside off. There was, however, no early wicket. When Dan Worrall produced a genuine edge from Gubbins, it bounced just short of Glenn Phillips at Slip, evading his grasp and went for a single: 290-5 in the 101^st over and more frustration. The day was about frustration. At least Hampshire were not scoring rapidly either in the initial phases of play, perhaps thinking that accumulation was more important at this stage and that they could accelerate after Lunch.

At this point, what was clear was that already Gloucestershire were looking at having to bat for 4 sessions to save the game. Given recent batting form, this was not the most attractive of options.

On came Ollie Price, who bowled an extraordinary ball that Gubbins tried to reverse sweep. The ball pitched on leg, Gubbins missed it completely, it took a deflection or a strange bounce off something, changed direction completely, missed the stumps, missed James Bracey’s gloves and went for 4 byes to bring up the 300 and the third batting point. It went down against the wicket-keeper, but there was nothing that he could have done to stop it. Then, Matt Taylor got Gubbins to drive at thin air, the ball took a nasty bounce in front of Bracey and went for two more byes, bringing up the 50 for extras. It was turning into that kind of day. The lead was now 75 and the win for the Shire was just about out of the question now: it would have to be survival or nothing. Up came Gubbins’ 50 (149 balls, 7x4) with a flashing Cover Drive. Gubbins had stifled the fightback with his innings. The batsmen were starting to get busier: their shocking experience with Hashim Amla was not one that they wanted to repeat. Clearly, like Brer Rabbit, Hampshire had no interest in more sticky experiences with tar-men.

Another Cover Drive from Gubbins brought up the 100 lead: 330-5 in the 111^th over but, with bonus points over, it was 2 for Gloucestershire, 6 for Hampshire and Somerset now guaranteed a top-2 finish. Up came the 350 as Hampshire visibly upped the pace. Were they looking for a lead of 200? Did they want to bat just once (that might be the same thing)? Would there be a big push for a declaration after Lunch? The Gloucestershire reply was to bring back Glenn Phillips for another attempt to act as partnership-breaker. Instead, Phillips bowled consecutive wides (to be fair to the bowler, they were more one-day than four-day wides, but still signalled) to take extras to an eye-watering 57.

Finally, glory be, a wicket. On came George Scott. McManus drove at one and hit it gently to Ryan Higgins in the Covers. 361-6, McManus 39 (119 balls, 4x4). Too little, too late, but it was a reward for some tight bowling for George Scott, even if the only thing that it might do was delay slightly the declaration. What was evident though was that, for a tired attack at least, the pitch was as flat as a pancake: something for the Gloucestershire top order to take on board?

Lunch came at 387-6, with Gubbins on 97*, Barker on 9*.

117 runs in 33 overs in the session. The lead 158.

How much would be enough? 200 lead? 250? Some people in the Hampshire camp suggested even that Hampshire would wait to be bowled out.

With Gloucestershire taking a pounding, the loud and warm applause from the crowd when Gubbins cut a ball from Dan Worrall through Third Man to reach his century (209 balls, 15x4) was good to hear. It took him to 103*, the score to 394-6 and the lead to 165. A No Ball took the score to 400-6 in the 130^th over and the tally of extras to 64. A single brought up the 200 lead and there were now real signs of aggression: an On-Drive from Gubbins went all the way for 6 to loud cheers from the crowd and it was pretty much a single from every ball if they wanted one, although Extras seemed in danger of being left high and dry just short of a century. Four byes from a Glenn Phillips delivery well down leg took the score past 450 and Extras up to 77. Another 4 byes from a delivery well down leg from Ryan Higgins took them into the 80s. Barker tried one shot to many against Glenn Phillips and sent the ball vertically towards the Gulley where Dom Goodman made a bit of a meal of it, but held the ball with a dive: 458-7.

Finally, the declaration came at 486-7, a lead of 257. 149 overs left in the game but, after that pummelling, could the game end today even?

And, yes, the Extras were left on 81* and probably cursing the declaration. While 48 byes was just one shy of the Championship record but, in truth, many of those were due to misdirected bowling. A lot of balls went down leg, passing the unsighted ‘keeper on the half volley. Even a ‘keeper of the quality of Alan Knott would have struggled with them.

So, what could the Shire do with this? Miles Hammond Cover Drove the second ball of the innings for a boundary, but what was needed, as much as runs, was a very long and productive opening partnership. George Scott also opened his account with a nicely timed, one-bounce boundary. With attacking fields and plenty of spaces, cleanly struck shots were value for money so, after 10 overs, it was 24-0 and 20 of the 24 runs had come in boundaries. That marked the end of the opening burst and a small victory for the batsmen; Wheal replaced a Barker who had been a little short of bite. Did the dark clouds around the ground presage some help from Jupiter Pluvius? It seemed, not. A big storm had passed the ground and more, smaller ones were forming in the surrounding area but, at Cheltenham College, not a drop.

Tea was reached at 33-0. A decent start, but the Shire desperately needed a big opening partnership. This was shaping up well: the 20^th over was reached, 47-0, but more, much more was needed. Miles Hammond took a big swing at Crane, missed and survived a huge appeal. Next ball, he pressed forward, missed again and, this time, was bowled for 15: the one batsman that you could see batting for a whole day, had gone. And the decline started. After a day and a half in the field, James Bracey must have been praying to have a long rest before coming out to bat. Twenty overs was less than he would have hoped for. George Scott continued to hang around and do the job that was asked of him, but expecting him to bat even two sessions was a big ask. The bowling was tight and only a Crane delivery that went down leg and continued on for four byes offered much – James Bracey was not the only victim of some misdirected bowling! That was the 50 up in the 24^th over. Then, George Scott made a basic error. Crane bowled a big full toss outside off. Scott could have sent the ball out of the ground, but picked out Mid-Wicket. The typical bad ball that got a wicket and 47-0 had become 54-2. George Scott had fallen for 29, once again getting well set and then getting out. In came Tom Lace and the situation was becoming critical.

James Bracey was setting out his stall for a long stay, but you wondered how much that long period in the field had taken out of him. How was his concentration? He drove Abbott straight for a lovely four and seemed in decent touch, but then played studiously forward, like Miles Hammond, along completely the wrong line and was comprehensively bowled. 68-3 in the 33^rd over, Bracey 8. The killer blow that surely would consign Gloucestershire to Division 2.

So, now Glenn Phillips joined Tom Lace. Two players with bags of talent who would both admit that they had not made as many runs as they would have wished in the Championship this season. They had to see out the day together. Barker gave Tom Lace some width and he cut nicely for 4, then he popped one up in the air to where Leg Slip would have been, but McManus could not get there in time and then a delivery deflected of the pad of Glenn Phillips, past the despairing dive of McManus for four byes.  An eventful over ended at 88-3, 169 behind. Ten overs left in the day. Glenn Phillps though was reining-in his aggressive instincts and Tom Lace was batting nicely. Another over ticked-off: 6 to go, 90-3. Crane dropped one short, Glenn Phillips swivelled and thumped it for four, then he guided exquisitely a wide one for another four past the Slips. That brought up the 100 and ten off the over: at least the bad ball was being punished because runs would be important too if the Shire got ahead. Last over of the day. Wheal dropped one short and Tom Lace hooked it savagely for four.

So, 107-3, 150 behind. Tom Lace 25*, Glenn Phillips 16* and, most important, Gloucestershire still alive. That last hour was so tense, but much more would be needed in the morning if Gloucestershire were to get the draw.

Day 4:

So, everything came down to 96 overs today. Could Hampshire take 7 wickets?  Only their failure to finish-off opposition has stopped them from topping the group. Could Gloucestershire hold out for more than 2 sessions? Could someone play a major innings?

The answer, strangely, to all three questions was “yes”. Tom Lace played a big innings but, although several batsmen gave him support, none of them of them could stay for quite long enough. There were important stands, but each ended just when Gloucestershire were getting ahead of the game. And, sad to say, just when a draw was within the grasp of the team, one final collapse, in a season that has featured too many of them, killed the dream of Division 1 cricket in September.

The side has punched over its weight. It has fought hard but, when sides worked out how to play them, the results suddenly stopped coming: three defeats in the last four games.

Only a draw or, more likely, a Hampshire win were possible results at the start of play. If the Shire could get in front, every run, every over would count double, so both scoring runs and conserving wickets were important. This was a very different situation to Hashim Amla’s innings where Surrey were never with any chance of getting ahead and setting a target; it is a whole different tactical scenario. And, all the while, the knowledge that the New Ball would come shortly before Lunch.

So the final act started. De Grandhomme to Glenn Phillips, who played three textbook forward defensives and a swish and miss to a ball down leg to his first four balls. Unfortunately, his forward defensive to the fifth ball went completely down the wrong line. He was hit on the pad, half way up, in front of middle. Not lose a wicket in the session? The overnight pair could not even see out the first over! 107-4, Phillips 16 (63 balls, 2x4). That really was that. And yet… In came Ryan Higgins, who has been short of runs this season, to join the equally needy Tom Lace. And the partnership that built a growing bubble of hope started to bud and bloom.

Tom Lace turned a delivery from Abbott round the corner and the Shire were on their way, but now, it was looking more a question of taking the game into the afternoon than of taking it into the last hour. However, the batsmen played with some confidence and, even, fluidity. Abbott gave Ryan Higgins a short ball and he hooked it imperiously for a boundary. There was a comic miss when Ryan Higgins reached 15 when an edge from Crane hit Slip on the knee and fell safe. Runs were available with the attacking fields and it made sense to get them. Abbott bounced Tom Lace and the hook flew over the Fine Leg boundary for six. A edge along the ground excited the field, but ran for four through the Gulley region: 11 off the over. Two fours from a De Grandhomme over, the second another hook to a short ball, took Tom Lace to an excellent 50 (114 balls). On came Wheal and also tried to bounce Tom Lace: same result, a fabulous hook for six. And up came the 150 with a single next ball, in the 65^th over. Lace was lacing into the bowling and bringing that deficit down. Ryan Higgins, who has not made many runs this season, took his cue from that. The New Ball was taken and Ryan Higgins met it with a clip through Mid-Wicket followed by a slash over the Slips for consecutive boundaries. Hands on heads from the fielders, but it was now 197-4 and the deficit down to 60.

Another clip off Abbott brought Tom Lace two more, brought up the 200 in the 84^th over and took him to 90*. The stand reached 95 and a bubble of hope was growing. If the two could have seen out the session… It was not to be and a wicket fell a few minutes before Lunch. Perhaps he was getting too confident, but Ryan Higgins was given width by Barker, went for it and edged comfortably to Slip. 202-5, 53 behind and Ryan Higgins out for 22 when he was beginning to look really good.

205-5 at Lunch. 62 overs left. Jack Taylor 2* and (whisper it softly), Tom Lace 92*.

Initially after Lunch the batsmen were definitely unsettled by the break. A false shot by Tom Lace. Several loud shouts. Nerves were on edge. It was a relief when the second over after Lunch produced ten runs, albeit lucky ones: Jack Taylor fended off a short ball that evaded the Slips and ran to Third Man for a boundary, then Barker produced a wild short ball down leg that Taylor stepped away from, probably un-sighting the ‘keeper with the ball swinging far down leg for four byes. By the end of the 90^th over the deficit was down to 36. The bowlers continued to try the middle of the pitch – some of these deliveries were awkward to handle but, in the main, when the batsmen hooked, the ball went a long way. A slash and a hook brought Jack Taylor two boundaries in a Wheal over and brought the margin down to 28. Tom Lace clipped Barker off his legs for four to take himself to 99* and then survived a huge LBW shout. Oh! The nerves. 56 overs left. 24 behind.

Barker to Tom Lace. Steer through the Slips. Boundary. A century and a fine one too. 103* (214 balls, 12x4, 2x6), only his fourth First Class century. Barker then received an official warning for running on the pitch and was faced with being removed from the attack if he transgressed again. 52 overs left, 13 the deficit. Up came the 250, the deficit now just 7. With not a lot happening for the bowlers it was time to ask for yet another change of ball after just eighteen overs use. Would a new old ball do the trick for Hampshire? On came Weatherley to bowl some spin. Singles to Tom Lace and then to Jack Taylor brought the scores level and then put Gloucestershire ahead: 49 overs to go, 47 with change of innings. Now, each over, each run would count double. Just hang in there.

Oh Jack!!! Just as hope was returning, Abbott bowled him, going back when he should have gone forward. 258-6, Taylor 27 (55 balls, 4x4). Gloucestershire effectively 1-6. Stress levels through the roof again. So, Ollie Price, what have you got?

Weatherley bowled Tom Lace a head-high full toss that the batsman hooked for four to add to the two from the No Ball. Possibly distracted, he padded up two deliveries later and was sent on his way for 118 (241 balls, 15x4, 2x6). This was only the bowler’s fifth First Class wicket. There was a hint that the ball might have been going down leg but it was the wrong ball to pad up to. Tom Price joined brother Ollie, four men around the bat and the last rites starting. 13 ahead, 45 overs left (effectively 43). Every time that Gloucestershire were getting level, a wicket fell.

As the Price brothers held firm and Tea approached, a small milestone was passed as, with 35 overs left, runs needed passed the overs left. Two overs to Tea, 33 overs left, 298-7, 41 the lead. Ollie Price lipped one to leg, two more runs and the 300 up – 300-7, 43 the lead.

So, 302-7 at Tea. Just 29 overs left because now 2 would be subtracted for change of innings. Ollie 17*, Tom 16*, 45 the lead. After Tea the brothers took their resistance up to twenty overs. Horrible imaginings must have been rising in Hampshire breasts: surely they could not fall just short again? The brothers have bowled with heart and batted out of their skins since their unexpected call-up, calmness personified in the middle. It was so unfair on the batsman when Ollie Price fell to a freak dismissal: Crane gave him one to hit, which he pulled hard to leg. The ball hit the Short Square Leg (Alsop) in the helmet, rebounded and was caught by Prest. A wicket instead of the boundary that the shot deserved. 309-8, Ollie Price out for 23 (85 balls, 3x4). The lead was 52 and Ollie Price’s demeanour as he walked off, head hung, showed how he felt. What we could not have expected was that, after resisting for so long, the end would be just moments in coming. Matt Taylor was another to pad up to a straight ball: 310-9. Out came Dan Worrall, who has tended to regard the bat as an optional extra this season. Tom Price on 18*, the lead 53. If the last pair could hold out for just 5 overs, there might be a chance still. Dan Worrall saw off two balls, then essayed a big drive to Wheal and only lifted the ball straight to Crane, at Point. The last three wickets had fallen in just 14 balls.

Hampshire needed 54 to win. 21 overs to get them.

The start could not have been more explosive. Second ball, Dan Worrall got Weatherley to nick one to Bracey. It was a loose drive, but it was 0-1. Surely not? Dan Worrall to new batsman, Alsop, got an edge to his third ball, but it went to Glenn Phillips on the half volley… if only. Ten dot balls. Holland pushed the ball past the bowler, Ryan Higgins half stopped it, the batsmen went for a quick single and had Jack Taylor’s throw been better surely Holland would have been run out. The half chances had not broken for the Shire. That said, the batsmen seemed to show plentiful signs of nerves and were giving the bowlers plenty of encouragement. A drive that went under Ryan Higgins’ dive went for four and broke the spell. Still, after 3 overs, it was 6-1. First ball of the fourth over Ryan Higgins had an LBW should that could easily have been given, however, it was not and the over went for ten, including a glance for four from Alsop. All the pressure that the batsmen must have been feeling was released. Still, Alsop moved across his stumps to Dan Worrall, aimed to leg, missed and this one was given: 20-2. If only the chase had been 20 more in six fewer overs, it could have got very interesting, even if Ryan Higgins was uncharacteristically expensive and compounded it with two wild throws at the stumps that gave away 5 overthrows between them. Meanwhile, Dan Worrall was bowling with a fire that had rarely been seen in recent weeks. Holland played across the line, Worrall appealed and, after a long delay, the finger was raised: 37-3 and Worrall on 3-11. Still, the risky, nervous singles continued. It was odd given that this was only a token target, but a sign of what might have been.

Just 14 more needed, the runs coming in a rush as everyone accepted the inevitable. The last nine deliveries of the match produced sixteen runs, as Hampshire raced to a deserved victory and a finish just three points behind Somerset.

Gloucester move into Division 2 with Surrey and join Durham, Essex, Glamorgan and Northants. Some interesting match-ups there. And some handy prize money available for a good finish.

County Championship Round 9: Gloucestershire v Middlesex

 

Preview:

So, we arrive at the defining moment of the season. Despite consecutive innings defeats, Gloucestershire are still second in Group 2, just 10 points behind Somerset but, more alarmingly, only one ahead of Hampshire (who they play in their final match) and eight ahead of Surrey. There are just two games left and, this one, has become a must win game. However, with Day 1 already under threat from the rain unless the ground staff can get the pitch ready overnight after today’s  heavy deluge, time may already be at a premium to force a result whenever play does start.

With Chris Dent missing due to a broken finger, Ian Cockbain still nursing a sprained ankle, Ben Charlesworth just beginning his return from a dislocated shoulder and Graeme van Buuren still awaiting his paperwork, the Gloucestershire squad has an unfamiliar look. Jack Taylor and George Scott look set to return to the playing XI, with James Bracey to open with Miles Hammond. With no place for Tom Smith, the Shire look set to play a six-man seam attack. In theory, Ollie Price could come in as an off-spinner, but the rain looks set to scupper his chances.

As one who grew up listening to Jim Laker on TV stating that “if four seamers won’t do it, five won’t either”, to have six looks like overkill, but there is no question that this is where Gloucestershire’s strength lies. The plan is, most evidently, to ask the seamers to bowl out Middlesex cheaply twice.

The good news is that, this time, there will be no spin-friendly, used pitch, tailored to negate the Gloucestershire attack and Middlesex are possibly in even greater disarray than the Shire, with the sudden and unexpected departure of Nick Gubbins adding to the recent Lord’s dressing-room exodus. Middlesex have lost six of their eight matches so far and even winning the last two may not be enough to save them from the wooden spoon in Group 2. Like Derbyshire, in Group 1, Middlesex need a mathematical miracle to avoid Division 3 cricket when the groups split in two weeks’ time. However, the Gloucestershire batting looks light, with several players out of form, or out of position, or both. In contrast, the bowling attack looks well-suited to give Middlesex a lot of trouble if the pitch and overhead conditions favour seam. It could be a very strange, low-scoring match.

Day 1:

So, some surprises. No one quite expected the XI that was named, which had George Scott opening and both Prices in the XI: Oliver the off-spinning all-rounder and Tom, the medium pace all-rounder but no Ryan Higgins, who dropped out at 04:48 in the morning, on paternity leave. The XI, in batting order, was Hammond, Scott, Bracey, Lace, Phillips, Taylor J., Price O., Price T., Taylor M., Payne & Worrall. The impression was of a lot of inexperience in the team, although Middlesex also gave two debuts and the feeling was that if Gloucestershire could get through the New Ball, it would be a good day to bat.

After the Sunday deluge, there was an on-time start in sunshine, although with a lot of cumulus cloud around, with the cloud cover increasing through the day. Middlesex won the Toss and, not unsurprisingly, inserted, with Gloucestershire batting first for the first time this season. After a very slow start, George Scott fell in the 7^th over, bowled for 5 by Tim Murtagh who, after four overs, had conceded just two singles and removed the emergency opener to boot. It was an odd dismissal thought because George Scott seemed to half leave the ball, which took the top of middle. That made it 7-1 and the decision to insert looked thoroughly justified. With James Bracey not having had significant middle time since the Middlesex game on May 6^th, a lot was being asked of him to steady the innings with Miles Hammond, who has been in superb form. Batting was looking difficult for the first hour, but Miles Hammond then exploded to life with consecutive luscious Cover Drives for four off Andersson taking the score to 39-1 in the 16^th over.

James Bracey too was looking in decent form, although there is no question that the Middlesex change bowling asked many fewer questions than the New Ball pairing and that helped him to settle. Miles Hammond played an imperious On Drive to bring up the 50 in the 20^th over (Hammond 22*, Bracey 20*) and the impression was that the Middlesex decision to insert was not paying the expected dividends. Certainly, seeing no less than six changes from the side that had lost to Leicestershire, it was heartening to see the two batsmen on whom the innings depended most, looking solid as Lunch approached.

So, Lunch was reached at 77-1 after 32 overs (Bracey 31*, Hammond 35*), with the Shire looking at a positive morning, although the news from Southampton that Hampshire were looking set to get five batting points against Surrey meant that, provisionally, Gloucestershire were down to third in the Group, while the traditional Somerset lower-order fightback was also seeing them too head toward five batting points. That Somerset, in some trouble overnight, had added 166 runs in the morning session for the loss of just one wicket would not make the College lunch go down any easier. The message was that Hammond and Bracey needed to hang around for most of the afternoon, if they could, because batting points were needed almost as much as the win points.

At Cheltenham, though, the Middlesex supporters were already wondering about the decision to insert. It looked as if it was based on the suggestion that Pinner 2nds would have the Gloucestershire side 6-down by Lunch, so Middlesex would too.

Over Lunch, cloud cover increased. James Bracey was unable to build on his encouraging start. In the fifth over after Lunch he was only able to edge a ball from Blake Cullen to John Simpson for 38: 87-2 and Tom Lace in against his old County. Under pressure after a difficult season, Tom Lace needed a score, having played only 2^nd XI cricket recently, albeit scoring encouraging runs in his last couple of games. A pull for four got him off the mark and brought up the hundred in the 42^nd over. Then Miles Hammond went to another 50 (138 balls, 8x4) with an imperious pull to make it 105-2. When Andersson dropped one short, Miles Hammond launched him over Square Leg for six. All the while Tom Lace was nudging runs  and playing himself in carefully: a neat deflection past Slip earning him a boundary. Another big six off Andersson took Miles Hammond to 71*, with Tom Lace bedding-in nicely at the other end, no doubt helped by his partner’s confidence. The danger of the pull shot was illustrated though when Ethan Bamber bowled one a little quicker, Miles Hammond was late on the shot and wore it in the box, falling pole-axed: that the bowler appealed loudly for LBW just added insult to injury. Miles Hammond got back up, though obviously in pain and brought up the 150 with a drive to Extra Cover, but it is likely that the blow was a big factor in his dismissal.

As the batsmen looked to push on, who should be nominated to “go under the lid” at Short Forward Square Leg but Josh de Caires – better known as Michael Atherton’s son – making his First Class debut and slated to open with Sam Robson. However, he was not required in the dismissal of the still possibly shaken Miles Hammond who, this time not getting into line, edged Ethan Bamber to First Slip for 75, just when a century looked his for the taking. 153-3 and a first bowling point for Middlesex.

163-3 at Tea after 64 overs, with Tom Lace 28* and Glenn Phillips 5*. Could Gloucestershire push on after Tea with just now 46 overs left for bonus points to be accrued?

Again, a wicket fell soon after the resumption. Tom Lace got a ball from Ethan Bamber that bounced a little more and could only edge it to the ‘keeper: 166-4 and some gloss going off the day, but a dismissal that set a pattern.

A lot more gloss was to come of the day as the evening session progressed. Thoughts of 300+ disappeared in the collapse that one feared would come from a batting side that was shorn of experience past the top four. The riches of 153-2 became 187-6 as Glenn Phillips and Jack Taylor fell quickly: the former drove without due care and precaution and was caught at Cover, the latter padded-up to a straight ball. The Price brothers took the score past 200; Ollie Price clipped the ball past point for the runs that brought up the first batting point, but the pair then also fell in quick succession. Tom Price got a ball that lifted a bit more and gave Simpson his third catch behind. Ollie Price had batted very well and with a lot of spirit but got a good one from Bamber that sent stumps and bails flying. There was some late defiance from Matt Taylor and, just when it seemed that a second batting point could be rescued, David Payne and Dan Worrall became the fourth and fifth batsmen to edge behind, the innings closing on a frustrating 248. It could have been worse, but it could also have been a lot better, although the impression was that this was not the easy surface, full of runs of past years. The Middlesex bowlers stuck to their task well, with Ethan Bamber’s 3-32 the best haul. Scoring was never easy save, briefly, when Miles Hammond was making merry and enough balls were lifting just enough to make batting tricky.

James Bracey, Tom Lace and Ollie Price all get starts and all got past 30, but none of them was able to reach 40, all getting in and then getting out. Apart from Miles Hammond, no one else reached 15.

So, now, the question is, what could the Gloucestershire attack do with this surface in the morning? With the chances of a top-two finish slipping away, a devastating reply will be needed.

Day 2:

So, for Gloucestershire, a day that could well make or break their season. For Middlesex, a chance to salvage some pride from another disappointing season – since winning the Championship, each successive season has followed a downwards trajectory. In the end, the day went massively the way of the Shire and Middlesex only saved the follow-on thanks to a controversial sanction of 5 penalty runs against Dan Worrall for dangerous play.

A dull, grey, overcast, windy morning, after heavy overnight rain. The day looked ideally suited to the Gloucestershire seam attack but, before play could start, there was yet another earthquake. With England obliged to name a completely new ODI and T20 squad against Pakistan due to the seven positives between players (3) and staff (4), the selectors took what was effectively one player from each county who were playing. This meant that David Payne got an unexpected call-up and was withdrawn from the match, being replaced by Dom Goodman. For Middlesex, John Simpson was replaced by Robbie White. It meant that the much weakened home attack lost its main spearhead and that much depended on Dan Worrall to repay the faith that the Shire have shown in him through his multiple injury issues. It also made James Bracey captain: Gloucestershire’s third captain in three days of Championship cricket and fourth of the season in all cricket.

However, that said, once the action started, Josh De Caires was the focus of so much attention and got off the mark in the third over with an elegant dab to off for four. However, sadly for the many fans who hoped that he would do well on debut, he did not last long: Matt Taylor, who had already had a very plausible shout for a catch behind against Sam Robson denied (even Kevin Hand thought that the sound was an edge) bowled him a ball that was full and straight and pinned him LBW; 8-1, de Caries 5. The start was cagey, looking very similar to the Gloucestershire start on Day 1, with Matt Taylor, the wind behind him, a younger, faster version of the Middlesex mean machine, Tim Murtagh, giving nothing to hit, as the score inched along after an early wicket.

There was then a bizarre incident two balls into the ninth over when there was a long delay and an animated debated between the umpires. First, James Bracey joined it, signalling animatedly, then the bowler Dan Worrall joined in too. Finally, it was revealed that 5 penalty runs were awarded because the bowler had shied at the stumps after Eskinazi’s forward defensive and had hit him on the back, presumably accidentally, but the umpires were very unhappy about the incident, which they have reported as a Level 2 offense, constituting dangerous play given that the batsman had made no attempt to run. The over cost two No Balls from a highly piqued bouncer, as well as the five penalty runs and one thought that the captain needed to step in and tell him to cool it and concentrate on taking some wickets. 22-1 from 10 overs and Middlesex were seeing off the New Ball attack.

On came Tom Price for the 14^th over, bowling at a decent pace, in what was only his second First Class match. He was followed by second change, Dom Goodman, who immediately gave Steve Eskinazi one down the leg side. Eskinazi glanced and James Bracey flew through the air to take it, two-handed, at waist height, a long way down leg. Those who criticised Bracey after the Tests should have seen that catch. 34-2, Eskinazi 6 and Dom Goodman with a wicket-maiden on his unexpected return to the side. Soon afterwards Handscomb was very lucky to get away with an LBW shout from Tom Price: he was pinned on the stumps and looked plumb, but was saved by the call of No Ball. It would have been 49-3. Would that No Ball cost the Shire? It looked as if it might as big alarms for the batsmen were in short supply. Robson edged through the Slips at 58-2, but it dropped well short. Handscomb pulled hard at Dom Goodman and Tom Price almost pulled off a sensational diving catch in the Covers, but there was no sense that a collapse was coming.

Just as it seemed that Middlesex would reach Lunch in a fairly comfortable position, with the Sun getting brighter and batting looking as comfortable as at any time, Dan Worrall, quite literally, threw in a curve ball. First, Robson, who was looking very solid, became the latest batsman to pass 30, but not reach 40. He got a fast, straight delivery and watched the bails fly high into the air as Off Stump reeled drunkenly: 76-3, Robson 37 (91 balls, 5x4). In came Daryl Mitchell, LBW first ball, 76-4. Robbie White, the emergency replacement for Middlesex saw off the hat-trick ball but, suddenly, the match position was transformed.

So, it was 86-4 from 29 overs at Lunch, with Handscomb 20* and White 4*. Gloucestershire now clearly the happier of the two sides, especially looking at the scores at Taunton and the Ageas Bowl. However, during Lunch it got very gloomy again and rain started to fall. Despite this, the news that Leicestershire were putting up a decent fight against Somerset and that, even though there had so far been no play at Southampton, Hampshire were putting Surrey to the sword, must have made lunch taste a little better for the home side. For Middlesex, the thought that the rain might freshen-up the pitch for the bowlers was not so comforting. However, the intervention of Jupiter Pluvius was short-lived and the covers were off again quite quickly, even if the re-start was delayed by twenty minutes.

When play did re-start Middlesex must have wished that they had spent longer enjoying their lunch. In no time at all – in fact, it took just seven overs – they were 101ao. Astonishingly, briefly, the follow-on had come into play, although eventually just saved.

The collapse was as eye-watering as Miles Hammond’s blow in the box had been yesterday. First, Matt Taylor induced an outside edge from Handscomb – 88-5, Handscomb 21 – Bobby Bracey throwing the ball up joyfully. Then Tom Price got Andersson to edge to Glenn Phillips at 1^st Slip: 93-6. Then Matt Taylor got White to edge to Miles Hammond, low at 2^nd Slip: 93-7. The follow-on saved, Sowter edged Matt Taylor to Glenn Phillips at 1^st Slip: 100-8. Next ball, Tom Price got Cullen LBW: it was 100-9 and Price had a career best of 2-28.  Not satisfied, he cleaned-up Bamber, LBW, with the last ball of the over to finish with 3-29.

Middlesex were 101 all out, 147 behind. And, to think that they had been 76-2 shortly before Lunch and, seemingly, close to taking control of the match. Gloucestershire needed something devastating to keep their hopes of a top-two finish alive and, despite everything, had found it. You felt though for a Middlesex team that was clearly desperately low on luck and confidence. Given that their problems have come mainly in the second innings this season, you wondered if Gloucestershire already had enough to win.

The Sun came out and out went George Scott. He went back on his stumps to Bamber, overbalanced, pitched over and could almost be given out, LBW, from Square Leg: 8-1 and a duck for George Scott. It has not been a great game for him as emergency opener: not needed to bowl and out for 5 & 0.

Middlesex needed quick wickets but, suddenly, runs were flowing instead. Thirteen balls produced six boundaries as Miles Hammond and James Bracey warmed to their task of setting a big target. Bracey, who had looked so nervous playing for England, went up a gear and took four boundaries from a Mitchell over, the last of them a powerful hook to bring up the 50 in the twelfth over and was looking every inch the batsman who earned his England cap by sheer weight of performance. More runs for Bobby Bracey took the lead up to 200. It was fine viewing for Gloucestershire fans, not so good for Middlesex.

58-1 from 16 overs at Tea, Hammond 26*, Bracey 29*, the lead 205 and Gloucestershire seeming approaching an almost invulnerable position. Could they keep it?

Miles Hammond continued his excellent form and look set for another 50, but received a ball from Cullen that lifted nastily and was given out, caught behind, although it was not clear from the camera angle what it hit – glove or bat – as Miles Hammond tried to avoid it and went for 44 (66 balls, 6x4): 82-2. In came Tom Lace, who hung around for a while without ever suggesting permanence. James Bracey though was batting nicely and moving towards his 50. A clip off his legs raced away for four to take him to 46* and the score to 99-2. Another was stopped on the boundary, but brought up the 100 for the Shire. However, soon afterwards Tom Lace went to drive Andersson, missed and bails flew: 106-3 and Lace out for 7. In came Glenn Phillips, who has been in supreme form in T20, but is not having the same success in red-ball. At this point, you thought that a quick 30 would serve Gloucestershire’s ends better than spending fifteen overs for 10 runs. First though, the focus was on James Bracey, who wasted no time going to 50 with a clip off his legs. Who though would stand firm with him? Not Glenn Phillips, who got off the mark with a cut for four, but was largely scoreless until he had a wild slash outside off at Andersson and was smartly taken at Second Slip for 9: 132-4, the lead 279.

In came Jack Taylor, who has had an awful two years, to join his captain and, immediately, he realised what he had to do. For the last year he has been poking around, trying to build innings and getting out cheaply, but he is an immensely clean striker of the ball, something that he reminded the bowlers of… painfully. He began by cutting Souter thunderously for four then, as he started to feel confidence, the leather really started to fly. A flat drive off Souter flew for six. The 150 came up next ball. Back came Murtagh and Jack Taylor cover drove him for four, followed by a second and a third: 13 off the over and, in a trice, Jack Taylor was 29*. Meanwhile, James Bracey moved into the 80s while Taylor played just the innings that his side needed: a 4 and a 2 off Murtagh took him to 40* from just 28 balls and the lead to 335. Sadly, he got no further: Mitchell gave him width, he edged and substitute ‘keeper, White, took a superb catch diving a long way, to take the ball very low in front of the Slips: 189-5. In came Ollie Price, with James Bracey 81* and with plenty of time to make sure of getting to the milestone. Meanwhile, the news filtered through that, at the Ageas Bowl, Surrey had been bowled out for 79, were following on and had already lost Stoneman a second time. The good news was that Somerset had only taken two bowling points and their game was heading for a draw: calculating on your fingers, the top three looked set to finish this round separated by just a handful of points but, crucially, Hampshire seemed certain to start a few points ahead of Gloucestershire.

Sadly, Bracey was not to reach his century. Mitchell gave him width, James Bracey drove and offered a catch in the covers, falling for 88 (149 balls, 11x4). That made it 198-6, with the lead now 345. With talk that rain was forecast for Day 3, could Middlesex escape? The light darkened and, with the terrifying medium pace of Tim Murtagh putting the lives of the Price brothers in danger, the umpires took the players off.

So, 198-6 and a lead of 345 at the Close. Gloucestershire’s day. Despite Kevin Hand’s optimism, it would take rain, a lot of luck and some bloody-mindedness for the sixteen points for the win to escape the Shire.

As best as I can make out, if these games reach their logical conclusion, the points table will look like this going into the last round of matches:    

1. Somerset, 134 points
2. Hampshire, 131 points
3. Gloucestershire, 129 points
4. Leicestershire, 107 points
5. Surrey, 104 points
6. Middlesex, 63 points

Day 3:

Before we start, given the likely blanket finish to Group 2 and assuming that Gloucestershire and Hampshire duly complete their wins, but Somerset can only draw, what are the tie-breakers? In order, the first three are:

·         Most wins

·         Fewest defeats

·         Points in contests between tied teams

Most wins? Assuming that Gloucestershire and Hampshire win and Somerset draw, Gloucestershire will have 5 wins, Hampshire and Somerset, 4. Gloucestershire win in a tie-break with both rivals.

Fewest defeats? Somerset have 1, Hampshire have 2. Here, Somerset have the advantage over Hants.

So, if all three teams finish level on points after draws in the last round, the order would be:

1.       Gloucestershire

2.       Somerset

3.       Hampshire

However, for that triple-tie to happen Gloucestershire would need to make up 2 points on Hampshire in the last round and 5 on Somerset: it illustrates what is at stake today for the top three.

To get there, we needed first to complete the last day at the Ageas Bowl and at Taunton and Day 3 at Cheltenham. First order of the day was the rain radar. It said that Southampton looked set fair for the day (no relief there for Surrey), but Cheltenham had already been visited by morning rain and looked set for an on and off day, with a big storm on the way up the Bristol Channel, while the Taunton weather looked (and so it proved to be) terminally dodgy later in the day.

What happened at the end of the day, though, was that things took a most unexpected turn when Surrey held out for a draw thanks to a monumental effort of stonewalling, mainly from Hashim Amla, making a win for the Shire on the ‘morrow half a ticket to Division 1.

The best guess was that Gloucestershire would look to get the lead up to 400 and declare, if not bowled out first: that meant that scoring 253 was the target. With rain around, it makes no sense to take any risk of running out of time so, if play got underway on time and was not interrupted (both big “ifs”), Middlesex could expect to be batting around 40 minutes before Lunch.

An 1130 start was announced after the morning rain but, soon after 11, more light rain fell and the square was exposed for a couple of minutes before the covers could be pulled out. The umpires decreed an early Lunch and a 1230 inspection, with a view to a 13:10 start, mainly worried about how wet the College Square was. The Sun came out, at least occasionally, and play could start in the end. 80 overs were scheduled over two, long sessions.

Cullen opened the attack to Ollie Price, who put up the 200 and then the 350 lead in the first over of the day, scoring a confident two and a four. The former passed straight through the legs of Handscomb in the Covers, suggesting that there was something of an air of resignation in the fielders. It did not take long before Bamber started to have problems with the footmarks on the delivery stride and both sawdust and the tamper were in action. When the bowler was satisfied that the damage was repaired, we got into an “anything Ollie can do Tom can do too” situation of fraternal rivalry: the latter responding to two boundaries from his brother by getting off the mark with a nice drive for four, followed by a lovely clip through Midwicket for another. Eighteen runs from the first four overs of the day showed that the batsmen were going to get on with it, especially with the weather still threatening.

As a big storm that, surely, would have ended play for the day had it passed over, decided just to skirt the ground, we had the bizarre situation that rain was falling on the marquees, but not in the middle. The light darkened but that did not faze the batsmen, Tom Price accepting gratefully a couple of edges past the three Slips that ran swiftly to the boundary. Given the attacking field, anything the beat the close fielders was, despite the slow outfield, almost invariably going for four. From Middlesex’s point of view the score was advancing alarmingly fast, with 40 added at better than a run a minute and that could only mean one thing: Tim Murtagh was wound up for yet another effort to dig his side out of a hole.

Up came the 50 partnership at 248-6 (Ollie 24*, Tom 27*), in the twelfth over of the day, with the lead 395. By now, the Sun was out, the threat of rain was easing by the minute and Middlesex had no other aim than to delay the declaration as much as possible. A slashing cut from Tom Price went for four and brought up the 250 and the 400 lead: it was now just a matter of how many more James Bracey wanted. All the more contrast with the Ageas Bowl where, finally, a fourth wicket fell, leaving Surrey on a barely believable 34-4 from 43 overs!!!!

That, though, was just about as far as the lead went. Ollie Price edged Murtagh to the substitute ‘keeper for 33 (61 balls, 5x4), making the score 262-7 and the lead 409. Out came Matt Taylor; would we see a thrash and a declaration? He came up with what could only be described as a declaration shot and saw the stumps flattened: 263-8, the lead 410. Dan Worrall took a wild swing at his second ball and was caught behind: 263-9. Still James Bracey did not declare.

Surrey were now 40-4, with 33 maidens in the 48 overs bowled so far: 56 overs to survive.

Dom Goodman drove gloriously past the bowler for four, then hooked an angry bouncer for a single: 272-9, the lead 419. Would we see a tenth wicket partnership to drive Middlesex to distraction, or would one of the bowlers send down a straight one? Instead, Dom Goodman sent a slog into orbit: 272ao and the target 420.

De Caries started the chase with a couple of twos and then, last ball of Dan Worrall’s opening over, edged to Glenn Phillips, who put it down. Not the start that the Shire wanted. Second over of the innings, De Caries charged down the pitch looking for a single, was sent back by Robson and scrambled back thanks to a wayward throw. It was a nervous Middlesex start. The escapes extended the opening partnership to 16 balls: De Caries then repeated his edge off Dan Worrall to Glenn Phillips who, this time, pouched it: 4-1 and 416 still needed. A loud appeal by Dan Worrall for caught behind was not given, but a wicket still fell quickly. Matt Taylor had still not conceded a run when he thudded on into Robson’s pads. The umpire gave the LBW and Robson refused initially to walk, appearing to indicate that he had hit it, although it seems that what he was saying was that the ball had pitched outside leg: still, he had to go in the end, but a conference between the umpires suggested that he would be reported for dissent, even if a replay from in-line suggested that he may have had a point. Either way, it was 8-2 and Middlesex were in deep trouble.

What followed was an exhibition of control and self-denial that rivalled Surrey’s. Eskinazi and Handscomb embarked on a partnership that lasted 38 overs, but accrued just 48 runs. Matt Taylor ended the day with figures of 13-9-14-1, the Middlesex batsmen treating his bowling like a suspicious bomb disposal officer would treat an unstable World War II bomb. The result was 26 maidens bowled out of the 57 overs delivered during the afternoon.

Just when Middlesex had a real opportunity to grind down the young and inexperienced attack and maybe even set up a half chance of a last day chase, Dan Worrall pinned Handscomb in front and got the affirmative from the umpire: his dance of sheer joy showed what the wicket meant to the side. Handscomb had resisted for two minutes under two hours for his 14. With 21 overs left in the day, the Shire must have hoped for a couple more wickets. What happened though was yet more self-denial. Thirty-seven overs were bowled in the last two hours of the day – a monumental efforts by the standards of today – but just 45 runs were scored.

Thus, the day ended with Middlesex 97-3. With 96 overs to bowl on the last day and 323 runs needed, all four results are quite genuinely possible. It is a cliché to say it, but the first hour will be vital.

Right now, the top 5 is:

1    1.       Somerset, 134 points
2.       Hampshire, 123 points
3.       Gloucestershire, 113 points
4.      Surrey, 112 points
5.       Leicestershire, 107 points

Now, according to how tomorrow pans out, Gloucestershire will finish the day one of: 2^nd, with 129 and 6 ahead of Hampshire; 3^rd, with 121 points and needing to beat Hampshire in the last game to finish in the top 2; or 4^th, on 113 points and in real danger of playing in Division 3.

No pressure, lads. No pressure!

Day 4:

Blue sky, with plenty of fluffy white cumulus cloud. Nothing on the rain radar, but talk of potential, heavy showers later. And some fans bemoaning the flat, Cheltenham pancake of a pitch that would let Middlesex escape. What was evident is that Gloucestershire needed a wicket in the first hour but, if Middlesex could avoid losing one, their chances of escaping would be massively enhanced, even if all logic said that one of the four results was a lot more likely than the other three. Could a Middlesex side that is having an extremely difficult season, produce the depths of resistance that they would need to see out a full day of 96 overs, losing no more than two wickets in each session?

For much of the day it seemed as if Middlesex would save the game and might even have a chance to win it. The pitch was flat, the bowling too and, at one stage, just a single wicket had fallen in more than 80 overs of play. The overs were running out. The ball was getting older. The collapse, when it came, was astonishing and the end, sudden. From 241-4, with an early handshake looking likely, the last six wickets fell in nine overs for just 14 runs. It defied belief that a side that had resisted for so long and that had made the attack look totally ineffectual for the best part of three session, should disintegrate so quickly.

Dan Worrall said overnight that the pitch was not so flat as might appear, nor was batting so comfortable if the bowlers got their lines right. He made a point with the first over of the day when it took just four balls for the first, raucous LBW appeal that umpire Mick Newell considered long and hard. An opening maiden for Dan Worrall, bowling with three Slips and a Gulley. Mitchell though took three from Matt Taylor’s first ball of the day, bringing up the 100 in the 59^th over of the innings. The first nineteen balls of the day produced just that one scoring shot. It was evident that, at least for now, Middlesex were not thinking of chasing and the game continued in slow motion. A push for three that stopped just short of the Point boundary brought up Eskinazi’s 50 (173 balls, 4x4) and was the first runs of the morning off Dan Worrall. The biggest scare of the first half hour came with a drive for three from Eskinazi that brought up the 50 partnership, but ended with a desperate dive to make his ground as Dan Worrall broke the wicket. So, 14 runs from the first 30 minutes play but, from a Middlesex point of view, no wickets had fallen.

After four overs each from Worrall and Taylor, on came Tom Price, who had bowled with verve. Given that 15 overs remained to the New Ball, there was a need to rest the New Ball bowlers, which produced a burst of runs including a Cover Drive for four by Eskinazi: 8 off the over. Debutant, Ollie Price, came on to introduce some spin, giving a Price duo with the ball. A nice action showed that he was in no way overawed by the situation, but he was not posing a big threat either, although his job was to keep things tight before the New Ball and, if he could nip out a wicket, so much the better. As the New Ball approached, the brief flurry of runs ended and the Phony War returned. The first hour ended with Middlesex firmly in control of their destiny, fifteen overs bowled, 31 runs scored but, crucially, no wickets had fallen: 128-3, 291 needed. Gloucestershire had not managed the breakthrough that they needed.

On came Glenn Phillips with his quickish, flat off spin, giving an all-spin attack. Gradually, close fielders were added to make the batsmen think a bit, with Eskinazi surrounded by five close catchers for Ollie Price (Glenn Phillips only got three), but still no alarms. Up came the 80^th over and the umpire immediately showed the New Ball to crowd and players. Back came Dan Worrall for what was going to be a critical half hour before Lunch, Eskinazi, on 77*, approaching slowly… very slowly… his first century since 2017, already having his best Championship/Bob Willis Trophy score since 2018. After three maiden overs had been delivered with the New Ball, Dan Worrall went off and Tom Smith came on as substitute. Was Dan Worrall injured? Then, Worrall came back on and took the ball again, the process being repeated after his next over. So, it appeared that he must be getting treatment between overs for some problem. Five overs passed without a run but, in truth, that was because the batsmen barely had to play at a delivery and the New Ball was being wasted. Everything about Gloucestershire was, at this point, looking very flat. Even the juvenile sea-gull who was patrolling Long-On and had been for most of the match, seemed listless. Off they went for Lunch after seven overs with the New Ball, 155-3, 265 needed and, crucially, no wickets had fallen in the morning session. The odds were moving towards a chance of a Middlesex win, even if there seemed to be no obvious intent to keep the scoreboard ticking over: the key seemed to be that, for them, a draw would feel like a win anyway but, if they needed 100 or so in the last session with 6 wickets left, they would surely go for the runs.

Dan Worrall did not continue after Lunch, giving way to Dom Goodman, who finally get a bowl, which made no difference to the batsmen as Eskinazi moved into the 90s and Mitchell approached his 50, with the score 179-3 and just 240 wanted and 59 overs left. Surely Middlesex could not snatch this? There was no threat, no menace and the pitch looked totally batting friendly. Back came Tom Price to relieve Matt Taylor, but there was an air of inevitability about proceedings as an inexperienced attack was obviously losing heart. After three overs without a run scored, Steve Eskinazi produced a flashing cover drive as Dom Goodman gave him some width and up came his century – his first since 2017 – from 273 balls with 10x4.

Back came Dan Worrall for his third spell of the day, only deepening the mystery as to why he had been going off: maybe he was not injured after all? He gave Mitchell some width and saw the batsman cut hard to go to his fifty with a boundary. Eskinazi flashed at a ball from Tom Price and came so close to getting an edge. Then Tom Price got one to lift nastily off a length and hit him on the hand. Interesting. Dan Worrall produced a genuine edge from Mitchell that flew past Tom Lace in the Gulley and brought up the 200 in the 104^th over. The odd ball was starting to do something.

In retrospect, that delivery from Tom Price was the turning point in the day. A Leg Gulley was brought in for Dan Worrall and, immediately, Eskinazi clipped the ball, hard off his legs, straight to Ollie Price who had been put there for the shot, departing for 102. 201-4, a third wicket for Dan Worrall. Could there be an opportunity still to win this? Tom Price produced two edges in an over that did not quite reach the cordon. Briefly, things were starting to happen again after hours of chanceless play. However, Dan Worrall and Tom Price had to be rested and, again, the match started to go back to sleep to the extent that the sight of Cheltenham Town Council workers removing four portaloos on a lorry, combined with the prolonged absence of Dave Townsend from the commentary tent, led to raucous laughter at the prospect that he had been retired forcibly from commentary duty and was now in a Council warehouse somewhere.

222-4 at Tea. 198 to win and just 38 overs remaining. Two set batsmen. The draw was now firm favourite. What was to come defied all logic.

Miles Hammond donned his headband and shades, a sure sign that James Bracey was bringing him on to bowl in the hope that he might buy a wicket. With the Run Rate Required 5.2, 17 runs from the first three overs after Tea was actually ahead of requirements as Miles Hammond proved stylish, but expensive. The significant event, though, was at the other end where Matt Taylor came back for another, possibly final, spell. Three overs after Tea it was 239-4, with Mitchell 73* and White 24*, both well set and in no obvious difficulties.

Matt Taylor came in to bowl his twenty-sixth over, the 119^th of the innings and the fourth after Tea. And all hell broke loose.

Ball 1 – Mitchell clipped in the air to Leg Slip, just avoiding the dive of James Bracey, who tried to bring off a brilliant catch.

Ball 2 – White clipped off his legs for a long single. 241-4.

Ball 3 – Mitchell drove, missed, was given LBW and departed slowly, shaking his head. 241-5, Mitchell 73.

Ball 4 – Andersson edged to James Bracey, who took a good, low catch and sprinted off towards the boundary, celebrating, at a pace that would not have shamed Usain Bolt. 241-6. Golden duck for Andersson and Matt Taylor on a hat-trick. The momentum had changed 180 degrees.

Ball 5 – Matt Taylor to Souter. Hat-trick ball. Three Slips and a Gulley waiting. Short ball. Souter sways away.

Ball 6 – Souter blocks it.

Dark clouds are swirling behind the College and, for the first time, the weather enters the equation. How long before light became an issue?

Maiden over from Tom Price to White, including a superb Yorker first ball that White just about jammed his bat down on. Suddenly, Middlesex were staring down the barrel and looked a beaten side.

New over from Matt Taylor.

Ball 1 – Defended. Brother Jack, fields.

Ball 2 – Defended.

Ball 3 – Short. Into the body. Souter fends it gently to Miles Hammond at Second Slip, who pouches it nonchalantly. 241-7.

Ball 4 – Defended. Missed. Bracey takes it.

Ball 5 – Another play and miss.

Ball 6 – Thin edge. Simple catch to Bracey. Cullen looks ruefully at the pitch. 241-8.

Four wickets have fallen on the same score in sixteen balls. Matt Tayor now has 5-37.

Four overs pass. Bamber and White add 7 runs. Back comes Dan Worrall. The sky is getting darker and darker behind the College, the wind is rising and an electrical storm is approaching. Four balls: a quick single, a dab and run to bring up the 250 and a couple of dot balls. What has Dan Worrall got left? Bamber has faced 16 balls and has looked safe. Dan Worrall runs in to deliver the 17^th ball of his innings. On leg stump, clipped hard off his legs and Tom Lace pouches a very tough catch at Short Leg! 250-9.

White is 31*, but now has only the Lambeth Lara to support him. Once, more a batsman than a bowler, Murtagh is a genuine tail-ender now. It is now a matter of when defeat will come, not if. Matt Taylor takes a break and Tom Price comes back. Robbie White refuses an easy single early in the over, but accepts one, fourth ball. Murtagh hits the next ball towards Third Man for an easy single which is again refused. Last ball, defended safely. Twenty-six overs remaining.

Dan Worrall to  Robbie White. First ball outside off. Left alone. Second ball, wild down leg: 4 byes. Third ball, again down leg. White picks it up and clips it in the air to the Square Leg boundary where Jack Taylor dives and brings off a brilliant catch, just inside the rope. Middlesex 272ao. Dan Worrall 5-54. The margin 164 runs. A fifth win of the season for the Shire, a record that only Yorkshire can match. Middlesex did not even get close to the last hour. No one saw that coming.

The long and short of it is that Gloucestershire effectively have a cushion of 7 points over Hampshire. With just 2 bowling points, Gloucestershire ensure that they will finish second by avoiding defeat in their last game, starting on Sunday at Cheltenham.

Aftermath:

At Tea yesterday it looked as if the game was moving towards an early handshake. Set batsmen at the crease. A ball that was getting older. A tired attack that had taken just a two wickets in just under three sessions of play. A pitch that seemed to be blameless. The sudden nature of the end was so unexpected as to be utterly bizarre.

With the benefit of 20-20 hindsight, the key moment is clear. The ball from Tom Price that lifted and hit Steve Eskinazi started to put doubts in the minds of the batsmen. Then the Leg Gulley was put in to exploit any unpredictable bounce and Eskinazi hit the ball straight to the newly-placed fielder. Although Middlesex seemingly continued calmly even after Eskinazi was out, there was an opportunity. The bowlers knew that with one more wicket they would be into the soft underbelly of the innings and that meant that the batsmen could not afford a single mistake or dose of the unexpected. The ODI call-up meant also that there was no John Simpson to add some steel to the lower middle order and tail. When the wicket came so soon after Tea and, what is more, of the dangerous Mitchell, the Middlesex-watchers knew what was coming. Robbed of someone to keep an end closed-up solidly and with little batting to come, there was an expectation of a collapse. The phrase “one wicket brings two” kept being raised but, in the knowledge that, for Middlesex, all too often, one wicket can bring three or four. All the hard work of increasing the fragile confidence of the side was undone.

What was remarkable was that Dan Worrall and Matt Taylor, on whom so much depended and who must have been pretty tired by then, were able to raise themselves one more and exploit the breech in the Middlesex defences. Each bowled 38 overs in the match and now, due to the late start to the game, have just two days to recover before the winner-takes-all game on Sunday.

The Price brothers, with just one First Class match between them, gave admirable support. George Scott was little used but, like Dom Goodman, who looked to be far from match-fit, kept things tight when called upon. The amazing thing was that without David Payne, Ryan Higgins and Josh Shaw the attack was able to sustain pressure and exploit the opening when it came. The same attack skittled Middlesex cheaply in the first innings, setting-up a winning position.

The final game of the season now comes down to one thing: any respectable draw or better will ensure that Gloucestershire play in Division 1 and will have a chance to challenge to be County Champions when the tournament returns in September. In fact, even if Hampshire take all bonus points on offer in a draw, just ONE bowling bonus point plus the draw points will guarantee that the Shire finish above Hampshire.

So, Hampshire MUST WIN to finish above Gloucestershire unless:

•         Hampshire score 350 in 110 overs in the first innings and Gloucestershire take no bonus points at all in a drawn match.
•          Hampshire score 400 in 110 overs in the first innings and limit Gloucestershire to a maximum of one bonus point in a drawn match.