Cricket

Gloucestershire, the wooden spoon recipients of last season, have shown signs of improvement under the guidance of head coach Mark Alleyne. Despite their dismal record against Sussex, the team put up a spirited performance at Arundel, giving themselves a solid foundation in the first innings.Ben Charlesworth, Miles Hammond, and James Bracey all contributed valuable fifties, showcasing their resilience against the challenging Dukes ball. Sussex, led by Ollie Robinson, had the upper hand in the opening rounds of the season but faced a determined Gloucestershire side.Danny Lamb, Jayden Seales, and Jack Carson shared seven wickets for Sussex, but Gloucestershire managed to secure a century stand between Charlesworth and Hammond. Bracey's late innings surge helped them secure two batting points before the close.The return of the Dukes ball has coincided with an increase in wickets across the country, with bowlers like Ben Sanderson, Shane Snater, and Ryan Higgins making their presence felt. Lamb's medium-paced bowling proved effective for Sussex, while Robinson and Seales struggled to make an impact.Despite some fielding errors, Sussex showed signs of development, with contributions from various quarters. Gloucestershire's assertive approach in the afternoon session paid dividends, but they will need to maintain their momentum in the second innings.

Gloucestershire's hopes of ending their winless streak in the Vitality County Championship were dealt a severe blow on the third day of their clash with Yorkshire at the Seat Unique Stadium in Bristol.Yorkshire, resuming on 57 without loss in their second innings, piled on the runs to set Gloucestershire an improbable target of 498. Adam Lyth led the charge with a fluent 113, while England's Joe Root contributed 51 and Harry Brook 68. George Hill also chipped in with a valuable 58.Gloucestershire's bowlers toiled hard but were unable to make significant inroads into the Yorkshire batting lineup. Ollie Price claimed the wickets of Finlay Bean and George Hill, while Graeme van Buuren accounted for Lyth and Shan Masood.In response, Gloucestershire's second innings got off to a shaky start. Chris Dent was dismissed cheaply, followed by Cameron Bancroft. Miles Hammond provided some resistance with a quickfire 35, but his aggressive approach proved costly as he was caught attempting a big hit.By the close of play, Gloucestershire had slumped to 97 for four, with Price unbeaten on 44. The hosts face an uphill battle to save the match on the final day, especially with heavy rain forecast overnight.

Gloucestershire's bowlers made an impressive start to their Vitality County Championship Second Division clash with Yorkshire at the Seat Unique Stadium in Bristol, reducing the visitors to 90 for five in the first session. However, Yorkshire skipper Shan Masood rescued his team with a magnificent 140, his 26th first-class century, to guide them to a respectable total of 326 all out.Masood's innings was a masterclass in resilience and composure. He weathered the early storm and gradually built his innings, reaching his century off 140 balls with 15 boundaries. His partnership with Jonny Tattersall (56) for the sixth wicket was crucial in Yorkshire's recovery, adding 100 runs to the total.Matt Milnes also contributed a valuable 51, while Zaman Akhter claimed a career-best five for 85 for Gloucestershire. By the close of play, Gloucestershire had slipped to 28 for two in reply, with Chris Dent and Ollie Price dismissed cheaply.Masood's century was a timely reminder of his class and experience. The Pakistan Test captain has been in excellent form for Yorkshire this season, and his innings on the opening day of this match was a testament to his ability to lead from the front.Yorkshire will be hoping that Masood can continue his good form in the second innings and help them to build a substantial lead. Gloucestershire, on the other hand, will need to find a way to dismiss Masood early and put pressure on the Yorkshire batting lineup.