Round-Up: Worcestershire disappointed over restricted availability of Saeed Ajmal

Will Gidman took 4 for 14 as Kent were bowled out for 114 (Getty)

Bowler of the Day

Worcestershire’s disappointment over the restricted availability of Saeed Ajmal this summer is more understandable with every match the Pakistan off-spinner plays for them.

His 6 for 75 against Essex at New Road on Monday brought his contribution in three first-class matches so far to 19 wickets, although Worcestershire may need him to do it all again in the second innings after Essex diluted the advantage of an 88-run first-innings lead by reducing them at one stage to 82 for 7 in reply.

The Second Division promotion candidates had hoped to have Ajmal for most of the summer, but the late arrangement of a Pakistan Test and one-day series against Sri Lanka means he may miss six weeks of the season in July and August.

Brothers of the Day

A good day for the Gidmans in Bristol put Gloucestershire in a strong position to claim a first win of the season against Kent. After seamer Will’s 4 for 14 helped shoot out Kent for 114 for a lead of 138, his older brother Alex hit 85 off 128 balls. Hamish Marshall is 66 not out overnight and Gloucestershire are 351 ahead with six wickets in hand.

Extras

Stuart Broad, who misses England’s Twenty20 and ODI matches against Sri Lanka because of a knee problem diagnosed as tendinitis, expects to return to action for Nottinghamshire in the Championship match against Durham, starting on Sunday.