TCP VERDICT
Gloucs’ batsmen proved a point as they dug in to frustrate the leaders.
On the receiving end of a chastening innings defeat at Trent Bridge less than three weeks previously, Gloucs were not expected to trouble a Notts side that went into this contest unbeaten in six outings.
But in the event, half centuries from Graeme van Buuren and Chris Dent proved sufficient to frustrate opponents who missed pace bowling spearheads Stuart Broad and James Pattinson.
Gloucestershire’s final-day defiance with the bat denied the visitors what would have been a fifth win in seven outings and will give renewed hope to the chasing pack.
Outgunned at times, the home side remained competitive throughout. Gareth Roderick issued a statement of intent, top-scoring with 96 as Gloucestershire recovered from 167-6 to post a creditable 303.
As well as Gloucs bowled and fielded, they had no answer to Samit Patel’s patience as the former England batsman compiled a superb career-best firstclass score of 257 not out.
A high-class affair, his innings spanned more than eight hours and 452 balls, and included 23 fours and a six. Afforded back-up from a supporting cast that included Indian Test star Cheteshwar Pujara, Patel helped the visitors assume a commanding position. But they had not reckoned on Gloucs’ obduracy with the bat.