Taylor & Marshall give Glos edge
Last updated on .From the section Cricket
| LV County Championship Division Two, Canterbury |
| Close of play, day one: Kent v Gloucestershire 292-9 |
| Kent 3pts, Glos 2pts |
| Match scorecard |
Half centuries from Chris Taylor and Hamish Marshall helped Gloucestershire reach a respectable 292-9 on day one against Kent at Canterbury.
Opener Marshall put on 72 for the visitors off 131 balls before being trapped lbw by Azar Mahmood.
The former Pakistan Test all-rounder (3-52) took three for no reply as Kent claimed 6 wickets for 106 after lunch.
Former Gloucestershire skipper Taylor (71) put on a partnership of 74 with Ian Saxelby in the final session.
Mahmood's purple patch came in an eight-ball spell as he first had Ian Cockbain caught at slip for 34 before bowling Richard Coughtrie and trapping Marshall.
DAY ONE REACTION
BBC Radio Kent's Ben Croucher:
"It was an intriguing opening day at Canterbury and both captains can claim to be satisfied with their players' efforts.
"Hamish Marshall dominated the morning session, and struck the ball cleanly to the offside boundary with regularity as Kent's bowlers looked short of belief.
"But Rob Key's men showed real character in the afternoon, refusing to let their heads drop as Gloucestershire's batsmen tried to build partnerships. Perseverance, disciplined lines and the odd loose shot brought Kent back into the game.
"Kent's batting line-up is superior on paper but they have yet to fire fully this season. Day two will provide a clearer idea as to which side will emerge victorious come Friday."
