Alleyne full of praise for Glos century-makers Price and Bracey
GLOUCESTERSHIRE head coach Mark Alleyne was full of praise for centurions Ollie Price and James Bracey, with one proviso, after the drawn Vitality County Championship Division Two game against Yorkshire at Bristol.
The pair shared a fifth-wicket stand of 199, Bracey making 102 as they batted from the start of the day’s play to the brink of tea, rescuing their side from a perilous overnight position of 97-4, chasing 498 to win.
Price’s career-best and fourth first-class ton, and Bracey’s tenth century, frustrated the Yorkshire attack on a placid pitch, allowing Gloucestershire to close on 405-6.
They took 12 points from the game, while Yorkshire claimed 13, having dominated for long periods.
“I didn’t think James gave himself enough time to reset after celebrating his hundred,” he said. “He was out straight away and, while it didn’t cost us today it might in another game. He agreed with what I said and I am delighted to see him get to three figures so early in the season. Apart from that, his wicketkeeping was outstanding. He never dropped a ball and made a couple of stunning dismissals.
“Ollie Price’s score (147) was more like that of a snooker player! He has an insatiable appetite for batting and his practice ethic is unbelievable. To see him get the rewards is really satisfying
“We showed a good approach with our batting today, being clinical, strong and stout in defence. It was a very good day for us.”
Yorkshire head coach Otis Gibson defended the decision to bat on after tea on day three before declaring. He said: “People wlll say we might have declared earlier, but that might have played into their hands. We thought the remaining overs after tea yesterday and today’s play would have been enough for us to win the game.
“It didn’t happen so there is a sense of frustration. The Kookaburra ball doesn’t help when the pitch is that flat and we will be pleased to see the Duke ball back when we play at Lord’s next.
“I don’t think there was more we could have done to win here. We threw everything at them, but credit their two century-makers who played very well. Iam pleased with the team performance and happy with where we are, but disappointed we didn’t get over the line.”
❝ He has an insatiable appetite for batting and his practice ethic is unbelievable