Source : ABC NEWS
Cam Green’s spell playing county cricket in England’s West country will be a brief one, but Bristolians will not forget him in a hurry, and nor will Kent’s beleaguered bowling attack.
The Australian all-rounder made an unbeaten 67 off 90 balls, to steer Gloucestershire to a tense three-wicket victory over Kent in Bristol, ensuring his first innings century did not go to waste.
Green hit 128 off 184 balls in the first innings of the match to set the game up for Golucestershire.
It was Gloucestershire’s first win of the season, and its first home red ball victory since September 2022.
Glos were set 162 to win on the fourth and final day after Kent had been dismissed for 253 in its second innings. Kalgoorlie’s Grant Stewart, who made a remarkable career-best 182 off 189 balls in the first innings, had added 41 to his match tally.
The home team lost former Australia opener Cameron Bancroft, its captain, for 7 as it slumped to 4-57 but Green and James Bracey, who shared a 222-run fifth-wicket partnership in the first dig, again combined well.
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After Green was reprieved on 3, Jack Leaning missing a sharp chance at second slip off Kashif Ali, he and Bracey then took the score to 121. With no time pressure, Glos looked to be cruising.
But Nathan Gilchrist dismissed Bracey then had Graeme van Buuren caught for a pair next ball. Green, driving powerfully straight and pulling well, moved past 50 but Kent further reduced Glos to 7-138.
Green and Zaman Akhter settled the innings and gradually whittled down the target before a scrambled single to point by Green off fellow West Australian Stewart ensured victory.
Green has one more match in his stay with Gloucestershire, which was funded by a mystery benefactor, away to Darren Lehmann’s Northamptonshire, before joining Australia for the World Test Championship final.
“He’s been an amazing asset for us, on and off the field. I’ve loved having him around and learning from him,” said young opening batter Joe Phillips.
Green would love to face Kent’s modest, injury-hit attack every week. He has made 310 runs against them this season, compared to 12 in three innings against other opponents.
AAP
