Kadeer Ali hit an unbeaten 63 as Gloucestershire closed day three against Northants 220 behind at 129-2.

After the start of an already heavily delayed contest was halted because of a wet outfield, Sales, resuming on 99, reached his century with his 13th four.

Dropped on 121, he received treatment for a muscle problem before a tired pull shot was skied to deep square-leg.

Replying to 349, Glos saw Hamish Marshall sky one but Kadeer made an attractive fifty from 86 balls.

Johann Louw hit a straight six off David Brown before being the last Northants man out, caught at cover with his side one run short of a fourth batting point.

Kadeer and Will Porterfield put together an opening stand of 57 in reply before the Irishman was caught behind off for 26 trying to withdraw his bat, but his partner ensured there would be no collapse from the home side.