The Guardian said last week that ‘Gloucestershire are in a sorry state indeed’. It also described their encounter with Middlesex as a ‘wooden-spoon match’. At the time, it was difficult to argue with either statement.
However, a quick glance at the 2nd division of the Championship would seem to suggest that things have now changed. Gloucestershire are currently safely ensconced in mid-table, with two consecutive wins following on from two early losses.
But this doesn’t tell the whole story – it’s the fifth column along that is most important. In four matches, the team have amassed the mammoth total of THREE batting bonus points. Yes, three.
Some statistics for you. No centuries by any batsman in eight attempts. An average innings total of 193. Apart from James Franklin (and Vikram Banerjee who’s only played one game) no batsman averages over 25 or has scored more than 200 runs.
Star signing Jonathan Batty (curiously opening the batting AND keeping wicket, despite Steve Snell’s presence lower down the order) has managed scores of 14, 6, 1, 4, 49, 22, 8 and 31.
With batting performances like that, how long can Gloucestershire rely entirely on the strongest seam attack in the country?
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