Marchant de Lange takes 6-49 as Middlesex bowled out for 203

Marchant de Lange’s stellar performance on the opening day of the Vitality County Championship Division Two match at Bristol has left cricket fans in awe. The Gloucestershire seamer reached a significant milestone by claiming his 350th first-class wicket, finishing with impressive figures of 6-49 to help bowl out Middlesex for 203.

The 33-year-old South African, who only managed six Championship wickets last season due to injury, showed his class and skill as he tore through the Middlesex batting lineup. With only Josh De Caires and Ryan Higgins offering any resistance, De Lange’s fiery spell put Gloucestershire in a commanding position.

Despite a solid start from Middlesex’s openers, Mark Stoneman and Nathan Fernandes, three quick wickets changed the course of the game. De Lange’s 350th victim came in the form of Fernandes, who nicked one to the wicketkeeper to give the seamer another milestone to celebrate.

Gloucestershire’s reply got off to a shaky start, with Chris Dent, Cameron Bancroft, and Ollie Price all falling cheaply. However, Miles Hammond and the rest of the batting lineup managed to steady the ship and end the day on 82-3, trailing Middlesex by 121 runs.

De Lange’s exceptional performance has once again highlighted his importance to the Gloucestershire team and his ability to turn the game in his team’s favor. With the match finely poised heading into day two, all eyes will be on how Middlesex responds to De Lange’s bowling onslaught.