Rain ruins the day as spectators return to the Bristol County Ground
JUST 20.2 overs were possible on the opening day between Gloucestershire and Somerset as spectators returned to the Bristol County Ground and the visitors made 45-1.
A healthy crowd filed in for the first County Championship meeting of the sides in Bristol since 2007. But they saw only a little more than an hour’s play before rain set in and play was abandoned a 4.25pm.
What cricket there was saw Somerset make a steady start after losing the toss.
Tom Lammonby was the only wicket to fall, run out for three. He dabbed legside and set off for a single that was never there. Sent back, he was run out by a splendid direct hit by Ian Cockbain, running to his left from midwicket.
After that, Tom Abell pulled Matt Taylor through midwicket and drove him down the ground for boundaries in reaching 19 not out. Eddie Byrom was alongside him, unbeaten on 22, having driven Dan Worrall through mid-off.
» Derbyshire are on the lookout for a new overseas bowler after Australia’s Billy Stanlake was ruled out for the season.
Stanlake played his first game for the county against Essex last week, taking 2-91 against the defending county champions, but sustained a stress fracture in the process.
With the paceman heading back home for rehabilitation, Derbyshire are seeking to fill the void at the heart of their attack.
Head of cricket Dave Houghton said: “We’re hugely disappointed that we won’t get to see more of Billy this year. He’s been a model professional during his time with us and we wish him all the best in his recovery.
“Our search for a replacement has already begun and we are hopeful of bringing in another bowler in the not too distant future who can contribute in all formats this summer.”
» Kent spinner Imran Qayyum has been forced into retirement at the age of 27 due to a shoulder injury.
Qayyum made a total of 82 appearances in his seven years at Canterbury, latterly specialising in the Twenty20 format.
The left-armer has not played since last October and has now admitted defeat in his attempts to regain full fitness.
He said: “It’s disappointing that my career has been cut short, but I can look back with pride on the contributions I’ve made as a Kent player.”