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Dent Century A Superb Knock - Alex

13 April 2012

Alex Gidman paid glowing tribute to Chris Dent after the young opener's century had helped put Gloucestershire in a strong position on the second day of the LV County Championship clash with Hampshire at Southampton.

Unbeaten on 59 overnight, Dent was eventually dismissed for 114 as his side ran up 314 all out before reducing the hosts to 182-7 in reply by the close.

Skipper Gidman was lost in admiration for Dent, who battled away for more than six hours, facing 271 deliveries and hitting 14 fours.

Alex told this website: "It was as good an innings of its type as you could wish to see. Batting conditions were really tough and Chris stuck to his game plan for 90 overs.

"He played superbly well and the fact that we were able to put a couple more partnerships together today means we have the edge in the game.

"There is a lot more hard work to do, but we have bowled well and the ball is continuing to seam around. Any lead will be extremely useful in those circumstances."

Ian Saxelby and Will Gidman took three wickets each in the Hampshire reply, which was bolstered by 74 from Australian Simon Katich.

The other Hampshire hero on day two was seamer David Balcombe, who finished Gloucestershire's innings with career-best figures of 8-71 from 28.4 overs.

For more details of Day Two at Southampton click on Cricket and Match Reports.

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