Kent’s Daniel Compton delivered an impressive performance, scoring 178 runs against Gloucestershire, but rain disrupted play, leading to the abandonment of the day’s match at 17:18. Compton began his innings as 144 not out. He stoically stood up against a barrage of close calls and missed opportunities from the Gloucestershire side.
In the first few minutes of play Compton was out, adding only four runs to his overnight score. He had moved to 148 when he flashed at a wide delivery from Marchant de Lange. His aggressive approach proved costly as he was caught out, reflecting the pressure he faced from the Gloucestershire bowling attack. Earlier in the innings, Ben Charlesworth had edged Jas Singh while on 17, an opportunity that slipped through the hands of Chris Benjamin, who put the chance down.
Kent were also looking to secure some extra batting points and came within just seven runs of reaching the full 120 runs needed for the first bonus point. Unfortunately, Nathan Gilchrist’s time at the crease was brief. He lasted only eight balls before getting adjudged lbw by de Lange, having managed just a single run. The team’s challenges were clear as they went in pursuit of a mammoth target of 191 runs, set by Gloucestershire. At that stage, Kent got no further than 112-2 in their second innings.
The contest erupted into intense drama as Matt Taylor bowled a brilliant delivery that very nearly brought him a second wicket. You could feel fans holding their breath, waiting for that moment! Kashif Ali, who had looked a real prospect after settling in, lifted a half-track delivery straight into Miles Hammond’s chest but lived to tell the tale. Ali’s majestic resistance and experience saw him bat stolidly against 89 deliveries. He took delight in ending his innings in style—on 34 not out. His innings featured one signature six that landed over cow corner—a reminder of his immense talent and ability to counterattack at will.
Jas Singh, as is often the case, had a negligible effect on the game. He played one beautiful cover drive for four runs before being caught behind off the bowling of Timmy Taylor for just five runs. Although these defeats were a blow, Gloucestershire was still playing a strong hand and could continue to put pressure on Kent while raising the bar.
What started being a light shower turned into torrential rain that ultimately forced play to be abandoned for the day. Such is the incredible impact that the weather has had on this summer’s Olympic-style clash. It cut short what was developing into an intriguing battle with plenty of back-and-forth action.
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