Franklin Routs Derbyshire At County Ground
31/08/2010
James Franklin took a career-best 7-14 as Derbyshire were skittled for only 44 on the opening day of the LV=County Championship match at Bristol.
Gloucestershire themselves were then bowled out for 156 by tea as a crazy first day saw ECB pitch inpector John Jameson summoned from Birmingham to assess conditions.
After speaking to both umpires, Jameson's view was that swing, more than excessive seam movement, had undone most of the batsmen and he has no plans to return tomorrow.
In the final session Derbyshire found conditions easier, moving to 127-4 in their second innings by the close to lead by 15 runs.
After Alex Gidman won the toss, Franklin took five wickets in his first three overs from the Ashley Down Road End without conceding a run as the visitors plunged to 9-6.
Derbyshire had no answer to the home seam attack and were bowled out in an hour and a quarter for their lowest score in 35 years.
It was their lowest ever against Gloucestershire, the previous worst being 55 at Derby way back in 1886. Jon Lewis returned 2-13, while the other wicket fell to Anthony Ireland.
At the end of play James Franklin told this website: "It was just one of those amazing days that happen from time to time in cricket.
"The ball was swinging and it was a good toss to win, but I don't think 44 and 156 were any reflection on the pitch. Both teams should have done better and Derbyshire showed what was possible in their second innings.
"I thought my best bowling days were behind me so I'm delighted to have achieved a career-best. Tomorrow is an important day for us because if we can win this game there wiill be everything to play for as far as promotion is concerned.
"I would love a crack at playing in the First Division and I know that applies to the other guys in the dressing room."
Gloucestershire gave a first team debut to young off-spinner Jack Taylor and left out Steve Kirby, Ed Young and Jonathan Batty from their squad of 14.
Steve Snell took over from Batty behind the stumps and Chris Dent was promoted to open Gloucestershire's innings with Will Porterfield.
For a report of the first day against Derbyshire click here.
View video highlights of this LV= match by clicking here.
Listen to a podcast of this day's play or live ball by commentary of any GCCC LV= match by clicking here.
