Hurst's Ton Steadies Lancashire Against Gloucs

Lancashire's Resilient Performance in Division Two Match

On the opening day of their Rothesay County Championship Division Two match against Gloucestershire at Cheltenham, Lancashire managed to post a respectable total of 290-6. The highlight of the day was Matty Hurst's impressive innings of 105 not out, which marked a career best for the young batsman.

Hurst, a 21-year-old right-hander from Billinge, played a crucial role in keeping Lancashire's innings going. He faced 165 balls, scoring 10 fours and two sixes. His partnership with Chris Green for the seventh wicket was an unbeaten stand of 81 runs, helping Lancashire reach stumps on 290-6. This performance surpassed his previous highest score of 104, achieved against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge in May 2024. Green ended the day on 28 not out, offering solid support to Hurst.

Despite the efforts of Gloucestershire's bowlers, it was pace bowler Zaman Akhter who made the most impact, taking 4-64. The home side used spinners for 43 of the 91 overs possible on a rain-affected day, but Akhter's ability to extract movement from the ball proved effective. Australian Test spinner Todd Murphy also caught attention with figures of 1-53 from 25 overs.

Gloucestershire faced challenges early on when their pace fulcrum, Merchant de Lange, had to leave the attack after just two overs due to a tight hamstring. His replacement, Akhter, quickly made an impact by dismissing Luke Wells for 18. The initial phase of the innings was characterized by much playing and missing, with Lancashire losing their first wicket at 28.

As the ball became softer, Gloucestershire captain Cameron Bancroft turned to spin, bringing in Todd Murphy. This move slowed the scoring rate, as Keaton Jennings and Josh Bohannon approached the bowling with caution. Murphy eventually lured Jennings into a front-foot mistake, leading to a diving catch by Miles Hammond that removed the former England opener at 75-2.

Bohannon then produced a notable shot, pulling de Lange through mid-wicket for a boundary that brought the score to three figures. However, a prolonged shower forced the players off the field, giving Gloucestershire a chance to regroup. The 45-minute break in play resulted in the loss of five overs, and the home side took advantage immediately after resuming.

Bohannon, who had scored 39, lost concentration and was stumped by James Bracey off Graeme van Buuren's slow left-arm delivery, reducing Lancashire to 106-3. The team continued to face difficulties, with Hurst narrowly escaping a run-out chance and Harris falling for 29 after top-edging a return catch to Akhter.

Phil Salt, making his first Championship appearance since September 2023, briefly raised the tempo with a couple of off-driven fours. However, his stay was short-lived as he fell to a brilliant one-handed diving catch from Bracey, leaving Lancashire at 160-5.

Despite the loss of de Lange, Bancroft managed his resources effectively, and Gloucestershire maintained pressure on Lancashire. The home side's efforts were further aided by the tiring attack, allowing Hurst and Balderson to form a solid partnership after tea.

Balderson's boundary off van Buuren signaled a shift in momentum, while Hurst reached a workmanlike half-century. Their partnership of 49 runs helped Lancashire gain some stability, especially with the new ball approaching. Akhter and Ajeet Singh Dale tried their best to make inroads, but Hurst and Green displayed resilience, posting a 50-run partnership for the seventh wicket.

Hurst completed his century in the final moments of the day, hitting Ollie Price through long-on for four, which drew cheers from the more than 2,000 spectators at the festival. His performance was a testament to his skill and determination, providing a strong foundation for Lancashire's innings.