COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION TWO, Cheltenham:
CLOSE OF PLAY, DAY THREE: Gloucestershire 480 & 136, Worcestershire 278 & 8-0
Glos 7pts, Worcs 3pt
Match scorecard

Shakib Al Hasan has played 21 Tests for Bangladesh

Gloucestershire collapsed in their second innings at Cheltenham but still set Worcestershire a target of 339.

Worcestershire had begun the day on 126-2 and saw Daryl Mitchell make 104 as his side were bowled out for 278, conceding a first-innings lead of 202.

But the hosts opted not to enforce the follow-on and saw Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan (5-23) and Alan Richardson (4-57) dismiss them for 136.

Batting for the second time in the day, Worcestershire closed on 8-0.

Starting the day with Mitchell and Moeen Ali at the crease, Worcestershire looked well set to match Gloucestershire's huge first innings total of 480.

But, once Moeen (59) was removed by Anthony Ireland (3-76) resistance began to crumble and they failed to reach the follow-on target.

However, Gloucestershire skipper Alex Gidman opted to bat again, eyeing a lead of 400 or more.

The attempt stumbled almost immediately when Jonathan Batty was dismissed for just three. Will Porterfield hit a rapid 33 and Chris Taylor 45 but no-one else was able to match their industry as wickets fell in pursuit of quick runs.

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