Derbyshire v Gloucestershire day 1
Gloucestershire 251-6 (Klinger 93 not, Taylor 58 not, Taylor 3-64)
At 159-6 this afternoon, Billy Godleman's decision to bowl was thoroughly vindicated, but late resistance from the admirable Michael Klinger and from Jack Taylor left honours pretty much even at the end of a truncated first day.
Klinger is a fine player and has been for many years, despite remaining on the periphery of the Australian national side. He rode his luck early on and perhaps should have gone when he skied a hook that Tony Palladino lost in the sun, but sometimes things go the other way and Klinger did a fine job for his side.
Congratulations are due tonight to Tony Palladino on his 300th first-class wicket and to Mark Footitt who took his 200th. Both were second to Tom Taylor in terms of wickets today, but we could do with the three of them wrapping things up quickly tomorrow.
The weather is set to take more time out of this game and time will tell if there will be enough for a positive result to be forced.
In closing tonight, just a word about events at Taunton. How do you score an unbeaten 151 in a twenty-over match, as Chris Gayle did today, and STILL finish on the losing side? Yet he only faced fifty per cent of the bowling, suggesting that his team mates didn't use a massive amount of gumption at the other end.
Astonishing. Quite astonishing.
I'm glad I don't do a blog on Somerset...