MATCH REPORT: Lancashire lose by 105 runs to Gloucestershire
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Lancashire failed to chase down a victory target of 248 against Gloucestershire, bowled out for 142 despite a career-best 65 by Rocky Flintoff to lose a seventh Rothesay County Championship match of the season by 105 runs at Emirates Old Trafford.
The result leaves Lancashire on 100 points in the Division two table, 18 points ahead bottom-placed Gloucestershire who now have 82.
Lancashire resumed the final day on 120-6 needing a further 128 runs to win but Gloucestershire made a dream start when George Balderson edged the third ball of the day from JT Langridge to Ollie Price at second slip.
Noman Ali swung Sai Kishore for six into the vacant party stand but it was Gloucestershire who were celebrating moments later when Ali was plumb in front to the irrepressible Langridge for 9.
Mitch Stanley swiftly followed, popping up a bat/pad catch to Kamran Dhariwal at silly mid-off from spinner Sai Kishore.
Rocky Flintoff was the last out hitting Langridge to long-off to give the bowler an outstanding return of 5-51 in just his second first-class game.
Steven Croft, Lancashire Head Coach said:
“Very disappointing, obviously a lose at home, and the manner as well. I think within that loss there was some really good stuff. I thought the effort from the bowlers was brilliant.
“Jimmy (Anderson), Baldy (George Balderson), and Mitch (Stanley) at the end running in, with a minimal break between those innings as well.
“It's pretty clear we're not getting the batting right at the minute. It's not through lack of effort.
“The disappointing thing is we're not learning from our mistakes, really. We're not firing as a unit, whether that be experienced players or inexperienced players.
“A shout out to Rocky (Flintoff) as well though, to get his career-best there in some tough circumstances.
“We don't know what might have been if someone stuck around with him. But, yes, he showed some great fight and character and skill throughout yesterday and today.
“We have to take on the learnings. We haven't got the majority of this four-day season right and we need to make amends to that.
“The effort is there. I wouldn't be here if the effort wasn't there. As a player, as a coach, it's the bare minimum you need. You need 100 per cent going into every game and everyone on the same page and putting the team first and foremost.
“But it's not through lack of effort. I think the game has judged our skills and we're not coming out on top at the minute.”
“We've still got two games and we're desperate to show what we're about. We don't just want to park and forget about it.”
Ken Grime
Photos: Luke Adams
