Bracey and van Buuren Rescue Gloucestershire with Swashbuckling Centuries

Gloucestershire's James Bracey and Graeme van Buuren produced a batting masterclass on the third day of their Vitality County Championship Division Two clash with Derbyshire, guiding their side out of trouble with scintillating centuries.

Resuming on 243 for four, the fifth-wicket pair launched a relentless assault on the second new ball, adding 156 runs in just 21 overs before rain intervened. Bracey remained unbeaten on 137, while van Buuren raced to 156 not out.

Bracey, who had resumed on 87, reached his second hundred of the season with a cut for four off Luis Reece. Van Buuren, on 61 at the start of play, joined the party, reaching his 15th first-class century with three consecutive fours off Alex Thomson.

Derbyshire's decision to take the new ball immediately backfired as Daryn Dupavillon and Sam Connors struggled with their line and length. Bracey and van Buuren seized the opportunity, punishing short and overpitched deliveries.

Van Buuren pulled Connors over mid-wicket for six and cleared the ropes again with a flick over fine leg. The Gloucestershire skipper needed just 28 deliveries to move from 100 to 150, showcasing his exceptional strokeplay.

From 318 for four when the new ball was taken, Gloucestershire surged to 383 for four by the end of the 85th over. Derbyshire captain David Lloyd was forced to remove Dupavillon and Connors from the attack, but the rain arrived before any further damage could be done.

The partnership between Bracey and van Buuren was worth 268 in 48.3 overs when play was abandoned. Bracey had faced 175 balls, striking 19 fours and a six, while van Buuren had clocked up 22 fours and 2 sixes in facing 172 deliveries.

Gloucestershire still trail Derbyshire's first innings total of 526 by 127 runs, but with two in-form batsmen at the crease and a benign batting surface, they will be confident of avoiding defeat on the final day.

Tags: #VitalityCountyChampionship#DivisionTwo#Gloucestershire#Derbyshire#JamesBracey#GraemevanBuuren#Centuries#BattingMasterclass