Jaydev Unadkat's four-wicket haul put Sussex in the driving seat on the first day of their County Championship Division Two match against Gloucestershire at the Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol.
Sussex, pushing toward the Division Two title, bowled Gloucestershire out for just 109. Unadkat, with figures of 4-32, led the charge, supported by Ollie Robinson and Tom Clark, who each claimed three wickets.
In reply, Sussex reached 149-4, with Tom Haines scoring 40, Tom Alsop contributing 37, and James Coles remaining unbeaten on 36.
Gloucestershire, fresh off their T20 Blast win just three days prior, were in trouble early. Joe Phillips edged Unadkat to keeper John Simpson on the third ball of the day, and Chris Dent followed soon after, caught at second slip off Robinson, leaving Gloucestershire reeling at 4-2.
Miles Hammond briefly countered with a six off Henry Crocombe, but he misjudged a shot and was caught at mid-on off Unadkat after making 22. Unadkat struck again at 46, with James Bracey edging to third slip.
Further wickets tumbled, including Graeme van Buuren and Ollie Price, both falling to top-edged shots off Clark and Unadkat, respectively. By lunch, Gloucestershire were struggling at 68-6.
Robinson then bowled Zafar Gohar and had Zaman Akhter caught behind to reduce them to 89-8. After a brilliant diving catch by Alsop dismissed Tom Price and Dom Goodman was caught at mid-wicket, Gloucestershire were all out in 43.4 overs. Clark finished with 3-17 and Robinson with 3-33.
Sussex's response started steadily, though Oli Carter was caught behind for 10. Clark's aggressive attempt to hit over the top resulted in a catch at mid-on for 21, while Haines, dropped twice, eventually edged Goodman to second slip for 40.
James Coles, playing confidently, reverse-swept Gohar for four to take Sussex ahead at 111-3. He followed with three consecutive boundaries off Tom Price before Alsop, after playing solidly, cut Ollie Price straight to backward point, leaving Sussex well ahead with a 40-run lead and six wickets remaining.
Match Summary:
- Gloucestershire 109 (Price 25; Unadkat 4-32, Clark 3-17, Robinson 3-33)
- Sussex 149-4 (Haines 40, Alsop 37, Coles 36; Price 2-15) lead by 40 runs with 6 wickets in hand.