Nash and Wells put Sussex in command in Bristol

Chris Nash and Luke Wells batted Sussex into a position of strength on the second day of their Specsavers' County Championship game against Gloucestershire at the Brightside Ground.
Chris Nash / Picture by Phil WestlakeChris Nash / Picture by Phil Westlake
Chris Nash / Picture by Phil Westlake

The pair put on 114 for the second wicket to leave the visiting county on course for a significant first innings lead. By the close, Sussex were 208 for 4, just 21 runs behind Gloucestershire.

Sussex coach Mark Davis said: “We came out and did exactly what we said we were going to do this morning and that was pleasing. We thought we might have had to wait for the new ball, but we bowled well, especially Jofra.

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“We now find ourselves in a good position in the match but we need to be aware that the new ball comes in 16 overs and that will be a dangerous time.

“I thought Luke and Chris batted really well, but Chris has batted well all season. It was just a bit disappointing for them that they didn’t push on and get their hundreds.”

Having resumed on their overnight total of 201 for 7, the host county lost their last three first innings wickets for just 27.

Chris Dent, who not only had a century in his sights, but the accolade of being the first Gloucestershire batsman in 11 years to carry his bat in a four-day game, was first to go, caught and bowled by Jofra Archer.

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The 25-year-old left hander, who had been the mainstay of the Gloucestershire innings on day one, finished 10 runs short of three figures. He helped himself to 90, off 193 balls with 11 fours.

David Payne, who played his part in the pair’s 114 run partnership for the eighth wicket, saw Josh Shaw depart shortly after – bowled by Archer for 1.

Then, Payne, whose 50 came off 105 balls with nine boundaries, eventually perished for 56, caught and bowled by England seamer Chris Jordan. Archer finished with the impressive figures of 3 for 39 off 14 overs. Steve Magoffin also picked up three wickets, whilst Jordan and Ollie Robinson bagging two apiece.

Early afternoon rain and bad light saw the sides taken off twice by umpires Martin Saggers and Paul Baldwin, before the skies cleared and Chris Nash and Luke Wells settled in on a wicket that was still providing the seam bowlers with plenty of help.

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It was tough going for both players with Matt Taylor, in particular, causing problems outside the off stump.

Still, much as Dent had done on day one, the pair stuck to their task and ground it out. They added 114 for the second wicket before Nash departed, for 66, in the 37th over, caught behind by Phil Mustard off the bowling of Josh Shaw.

Shortly before tea, Flynn Hudson-Prentice was bowled by Shaw to leave Sussex on 128 for 3 at the interval.

Wells continued to prosper in the final session and after passing his half century he added 58 for the fourth wicket with Phil Salt before he became Shaw’s fourth victim of the innings, for 75, off 151 balls with 13 fours.

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Shaw finished the day with figures of 4 for 45 off 15 overs with Salt, at the close unbeaten on

29 and Ben Brown 13 not out.

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