County Championship 2022 | Hasan Ali claims six wickets as Lancashire gain advantage over Gloucestershire

Day 1 of the County Championship Division One game between Lancashire and Gloucestershire witnessed pace bowling in full display. Pakistani speedster, Hasan Ali, was in his element as his six-wicket haul allowed Lancashire to take control of the game against Gloucestershire.

Gloucestershire won the toss and elected to bat first against the home team at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester. However, Australia's Marcus Harris and Chris Dent began on an optimistic note. The duo justified their captain Graeme van Buuren's decision at the toss and stitched a 119 run partnership. 

Lancashire finally broke the partnership via Hasan Ali, who accounted for Dent on 52. Harris fell soon too on 67 to Saqib Mahmood. However, once the openers fell, Lancashire's bowling got infused with a sense of enthusiasm and energy. 

George Balderson, Saqib and Hasan combined to crush the middle order efforts. From 119/1, the visitors were reduced to 150-6. They could have skittled out for a paltry score if not for the determination shown by Ryan Higgins. 

Higgins (51*) did not fizzle out and steadied Gloucsetershire's ship. He got support from Zafar Gohar (27) and Josh Shaw (18) from the other end. The all-rounder successfully delayed the inevitable and propelled the team's score to 252. 

Having bowled out Gloucestershire, the home team needed to see off the tricky phase. They were on course to remain unscathed at the end of the day's play. However, tragedy struck when a direct hit from Zafar Gohar sent George Balderson packing. With only four balls remaining in the day's play, the umpires took off the bails.

Brief scores

Lancashire 11/1 (Trail by 241 runs)

Luke Wells 5*

Gloucestershire 252/10 

Marcus Harris 67

Chris Dent 52

Hasan Ali 47/6

Saqib Mahmood 44/2