Lancashire v Gloucestershire: Simon Katich leads recovery

Simon Katich struck an unbeaten 73 as Lancashire recovered on a weather-affected opening day against Gloucestershire in Liverpool.

Having won the toss and elected to bat, the hosts slipped to 26-3 with Graeme McCarter (2-48) leading the visitors' early charge.

Ashwell Prince (29) then fell to Liam Norwell, before Katich and Steven Croft (43 no) put on 85 for the fifth wicket.

But bad light and then rain struck with Lancashire 175-4 at the close.

VIEWS FROM THE COMMENTARY BOX

BBC Radio Lancashire's Scott Read:

"Simon Katich showed all his class and character to come back into the side after a nasty injury last week.

"Hospitalised after being hit on the head by a cricket ball in the nets at Hampshire, he came straight back into the side today and then helped to dig Lancashire out of a little hole.

"An unbeaten partnership worth 85 runs with Steven Croft before the rain came means the Red Rose have something to build on on the second day."

BBC Radio Gloucestershire's Bob Hunt:

"The combined age of Gloucestershire's opening attack of Craig Miles (18) and Graeme McCarter (20) is less than Lancashire's Glen Chapple (39), but the youthful pair produced an impressive opening spell, claiming three wickets in the opening hour.

"Yet Gloucestershire let the home side off the hook somewhat and will be looking to getting Katich early on day two.

"If they don't, a big total could be on the cards."

Match scorecard