Gidman's highest first-class score this season is 73

Gloucestershire all-rounder Alex Gidman will miss the rest of the Cheltenham Festival after taking leave "to clear his head."

Team mentor Jack Russell told BBC Radio Gloucestershire he believes the move will help Gidman, 27, recover his form.

"He's decided he needs a few days away just to clear his head and get away from cricket. It's a mental thing.

"He'll give himself a clean break and hopefully he'll play in the game next week over in Cardiff," Russell said.

The Gloucestershire vice-captain has scored 376 first-class runs this summer but his last half century came two months ago.

Injury has prevented Gidman from bowling in recent weeks.