Lucas and Boje give Northants edge

Valuable contributions from the Northamptonshire middle order enabled them to build a lead over Gloucestershire as 16 wickets fell on the opening day at Cheltenham after David Lucas took 5 for 49 to help remove the home side for 147. After being put in, Gloucestershire were soon on the back foot on a surface offering extra pace as Lucas swung through the top order and Kadeer Ali was forced to retire hurt after a blow on the helmet from Johan van der Wath. When Stephen Snell was out for a second-ball duck they were 68 for 5, but were lifted by Chris Taylor's 51.

Ali returned after his blow but fell to Lucas for a duck to become his sixth wicket. However, the home attack fought back as the pace bowlers reduced Northamptonshire to 39 for 4 although the pitch inspector said swing was the main cause of the clatter of wickets. Nicky Boje survived some moments of fortune, though, including being caught off a no-ball on 42, as he steadied the innings while Andrew Hall contributed 41 off 52 balls before being caught at deep square-leg.