Gloucestershire Dominate Glamorgan with Brilliant Centuries from Hammond and Bancroft

Gloucestershire's Miles Hammond and Cameron Bancroft showcased their batting prowess on the second day of the Vitality County Championship Division Two match against Glamorgan at the Cheltenham Festival. After being dismissed for 179 in their first innings, Gloucestershire found themselves trailing by 18 runs. However, Hammond and Bancroft's brilliant centuries turned the tide in their favor.

Hammond, a Cheltenham native, played an enterprising innings, reaching his half-century off just 53 balls. He continued to flourish, hitting three sixes and 17 fours in his 121-run knock. Bancroft, the Australian opener, provided solid support, scoring an unbeaten 159 from 221 balls. The duo put on a mammoth 201-run partnership for the third wicket, silencing Glamorgan's hopes.

James Bracey joined the party, contributing an unbeaten 90 off 117 balls. Together with Bancroft, he added 170 runs for the fourth wicket, extending Gloucestershire's lead to a commanding 370 runs.

Earlier in the day, Glamorgan resumed on 133 for 7, trailing by 46 runs. Mason Crane played a crucial role, scoring a defiant 44 to help his team take the lead. However, Beau Webster's impressive bowling figures of 5 for 17, including four maidens, ended Glamorgan's innings on 197.

Gloucestershire's bowlers, led by Webster and Marchant de Lange (3 for 44), put in a strong performance, dismissing Glamorgan for a modest total.

With two days remaining in the match, Gloucestershire is in a dominant position. Hammond and Bancroft's centuries have put them in a strong position to secure a victory and boost their hopes of promotion to Division One.

Tags: #CountyChampionship, #VitalityBlast, #Gloucestershire, #Glamorgan, #MilesHammond