Gloucestershire warm to task thanks to Hammond hundred
Miles Hammond 128*, Bancroft 52, Swanepoel 3-50
Gloucestershire 258 for 7 (Hammond 128*, Bancroft 52, Swanepoel 3-50) vs Worcestershire
Hammond’s determined knock
Hammond’s determined knock of 128 not out from 280 balls, built on patience and fine strokeplay, means that he and his side will return to the crease on day two on 258 for 7 and with aspirations of posting a sizeable total before their own seam attack have a crack at Worcestershire’s top order.
Worcestershire overseas bowler
Worcestershire overseas bowler Beyers Swanepoel led the charge for the hosts, but the bowlers had to work especially hard for their wickets in batter-friendly conditions before being rewarded with a flurry late in the day.
Gloucestershire innings
Gloucestershire, who understandably elected to bat in warm temperatures and on a new pitch, began their innings comfortably enough and were 28 without loss before Ben Allison snared the edge of Joe Phillips and Jake Libby at third slip held his catch well.
Hammond and Bancroft partnership
From there, Hammond and Bancroft (52 from 130 balls) began to patiently repair the damage, though their fruitful partnership was not without its scares or reprieves.
Conclusion
The pendulum of momentum did swing back towards Worcestershire before the close when they removed both Jack Taylor and overseas Kristian Clarke, for a two-ball duck, in quick succession.
More Stories
