Rain and Ben Compton Frustrate Gloucestershire’s Push for Victory

Rain and Ben Compton Frustrate Gloucestershire’s Push for Victory

Gloucestershire’s hopes of forcing a final-day victory were dealt a double blow as bad light and rain halted their momentum on Day 3 of their County Championship clash with Kent. The weather interruption, combined with Ben Compton’s marathon 178-run effort, has left the match finely poised and increased the likelihood of a draw.

By the time play was abandoned at 5:18 PM, Gloucestershire had reached 112 for 2 in their second innings, leading Kent by 191 runs, but 36 overs were lost to deteriorating conditions.

Compton Anchors Kent Reply with Career-Best Knock

Kent resumed the day on 318 for 7 in biting cold under floodlights and a sparse crowd at the Seat Unique Stadium. Ben Compton, unbeaten on 144 overnight, continued to show remarkable grit. He survived a sharp chance on 148 when Cameron Green put down a catch at first slip off Marchant de Lange, then moved swiftly to his highest Kent score of 178.

Compton’s near six-hour vigil ended when he charged down the track to Graeme van Buuren and was stumped by James Bracey. His 298-ball stay, studded with 21 boundaries, was a masterclass in resilience.

Support came from Kashif Ali, who contributed a hard-earned 34 not out from 89 balls, including a swept six off Ollie Price. The pair added 60 for the ninth wicket before Kent were eventually bowled out for 393, falling just seven runs short of a fourth batting point. Van Buuren claimed two late wickets, finishing with 2 for 14.

Gloucestershire Build On Lead Before Weather Moves In

With a 79-run advantage on first innings, Gloucestershire made solid progress in their second dig. Ben Charlesworth looked fluent in his knock of 58, though he survived a chance on 17 when Chris Benjamin, deputising behind the stumps for the injured Harry Finch, spilled an edge off Jas Singh.

Cameron Bancroft fell lbw to Joey Evison for 22, while Charlesworth was caught by Zak Crawley at cover off Jack Leaning. Gloucestershire reached 112 for 2 before fading light brought an early tea at 3:50 PM, and persistent rain ensured there would be no further play.

With a gloomy forecast for the final day, Gloucestershire may rue the lost time as they seek their first win of the season. Kent, meanwhile, will be hoping the weather and their stubborn batting display can help them escape with a draw.

Match Situation:
Gloucestershire 472 & 112/2 (Charlesworth 58, Leaning 1-18)
Kent 393 (Compton 178, Stewart 51, van Buuren 2-14)
Gloucestershire lead by 191 runs with 8 second-innings wickets remaining

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