CHELTENHAM — Matty Hurst struck a magnificent maiden first-class century to anchor Lancashire’s innings against Gloucestershire on the opening day of their County Championship clash at the College Ground. The 21-year-old wicketkeeper-batter’s unbeaten 105 guided the visitors to a solid 298/6 by stumps, rescuing them from early wobbles on a challenging surface.
Hurst, playing just his seventh first-class match, showcased remarkable composure under pressure after Lancashire found themselves at 112/4 shortly after lunch. His 190-ball vigil included 12 boundaries and two sixes, forming crucial partnerships with George Bell (47) and Tom Bailey (34*) to steady the ship. "It’s a special feeling," Hurst told reporters. "To do it when the team needed it most makes it even sweeter."
Early struggles on lively pitch
Gloucestershire’s seamers exploited morning moisture effectively after Lancashire chose to bat. Overseas quick Beau Webster (2-46) removed openers Keaton Jennings (22) and Luke Wells (19) in quick succession, while left-armer Zaman Akhter troubled the middle order with his swing. At 112/4, with skipper Josh Bohannon (31) and Phil Salt (12) back in the pavilion, Lancashire’s decision to bat first appeared questionable.
Key moments in the morning session:
- Jennings caught behind chasing a wide delivery from Webster (Lancashire 48/1)
- Wells trapped lbw by one that jagged back sharply (76/2)
- Bohannon’s fluent knock ended by an Akhter inswinger (104/3)
- Salt’s loose drive to mid-off against Matt Taylor (112/4)
Hurst-Bell stand turns tide
The 98-run partnership between Hurst and Bell proved the innings’ turning point. The young duo batted through the entire second session, with Bell playing the aggressor initially before Hurst grew into his innings. Their stand absorbed 32 overs, frustrating Gloucestershire’s attack on a pitch that flattened as the day progressed. "George’s experience helped massively," Hurst acknowledged. "He kept telling me to trust my game and wait for the bad balls."
Hurst’s milestones
The Chester-born batter reached his half-century off 112 balls before accelerating impressively:
- First-class fifty: 112 balls (7 fours)
- Next fifty runs: 78 balls (5 fours, 2 sixes)
- Century reached with a pulled six off Zafar Gohar
- First Lancashire wicketkeeper to score a Championship ton since 2016
Late resistance from tail
Gloucestershire struck back with the new ball, removing Bell and Jack Blatherwick in quick succession, but Hurst found another willing ally in Bailey. The No.8 batter survived two dropped catches to add 74 for the seventh wicket, ensuring Lancashire claimed three batting bonus points. Off-spinner Ollie Price eventually broke through late in the day, bowling Bailey with a beauty that turned sharply.
Gloucestershire bowling coach Tim Hancock admitted mixed feelings: "We created enough chances to have them six or seven down by tea, but credit to Hurst – he played the situation perfectly. The pitch should keep deteriorating though, so we’re still in the game."
Day two prospects
With Hurst eyeing a career-best score and Chris Green (9*) providing company, Lancashire will aim to push beyond 350. The pitch already showed signs of uneven bounce late on day one, suggesting spinners Gohar and Price could become increasingly influential. Gloucestershire’s reply will likely hinge on how their top order handles Lancashire’s formidable seam attack, particularly with rain forecast for days three and four.
As stumps were drawn, Hurst received a standing ovation from the Cheltenham crowd – a rare honor for an opposition player. His innings not only bailed Lancashire out of trouble but also announced his arrival as a serious red-ball prospect. "This is just the start," he promised. "I want to build on this and cement my place across all formats."