Australia all-rounder Green hits hundred on Gloucs debut

First day of the Rothesay County Championship Division Two, Spitfire Ground, Canterbury

Gloucestershire 365-7: Bracey 109*, Green 100* (retired hurt)

Kent: To bat yet?

Gloucestershire 3 points, Kent 2 points,

On their first day of their County Championship game against Kent at Canterbury, Gloucestershire won by Cameron Green, who scored a century on his debut.

James Bracey, a fellow centurion, made 109 not out and put on 167, with the Australian international, who had to retire early because of suspected cramp.

Grant Stewart was hurt and a lackluster field presence in the hosts prevented Kent from winning it with 5-61, but Nathan Gilchrist kept Kent in it.

After winning the toss, Kent continued to use the formula that enabled them to win their two opening games by choosing to bowl, but they were unable to capitalize on a promising start, sinking Gloucestershire to 15-2.

Ollie Price was on one when he edged Grant Stewart, but Gilchrist only managed to get Cameron Bancroft for two when he tried to play across his pads. Harry Finch, the keeper, anticipated that the catch would carry to first slip, but it did not.

Ben Charlesworth went in the following over, and Gilchrist was the recipient, but Kent’s already detested bowling unit suffered yet another blow when Stewart fell injured midway through the 14th over and was forced to take Jas Singh’s place.

In his next over, Singh had Ollie Price lbw for 18, but Green and Hammond resurrected the innings, which ended 96-3 at lunch.

Hammond appeared ready for his half-century, but Singh ripped out his off stump for 48, ending what the hosts thought would be a disappointing afternoon session. Green never appeared troubled, and he managed to outstrip Jack Leaning in the singles to reach his 50.

The visitors continued to dominate after 225-4 at tea, but they were given another life when Bracey reached 67. Leaning was given a lead, but Daniel Bell-Drummond gave up a regulation chance.

By the late 1990s, Green appeared to be having cramp and was clearly having trouble accepting singles. Joey Evison made it to the bowlers end when he drove him for one before falling to the ground and retiring.

The only bowler in the evening session, Gilchrist, actually looked like taking a wicket, and he dragged Kent back into it.

He received Tom Price’s leg before for eight with a full toss that struck him on the shin and Graeme van Buuren lbw for 19 with the new ball.

Matt Taylor made eight with a quick-hitched delivery to Finch, but Josh Shaw made it to stumps with 18 not out, and Gloucestershire could still bat well into day two with Green back if necessary.