Gloucestershire sets first-class record with a score of 706-6

On the second day of the County Championship Division Two match at the Uptonsteel County Ground, Leicester, Gloucestershire registered their highest score in 154 years of first-class cricket history. They declared at 706-6, setting a new club record.

Captain Graeme Van Buuren's century, scored at a faster-than-run-a-ball rate, marked him as the third batsman to reach three figures, following the lead set by Cameron Bancroft and Ben Charlesworth on the first day.

This remarkable innings saw Gloucestershire surpass the 700 mark for the first time, beating their previous best of 695-9 set against Middlesex in 2004. It also ranks as the fifth highest first-class score ever made against Leicestershire.

Gloucestershire began the day on 385-2 but narrowly missed out on a fifth batting bonus point.

Early in the day, Miles Hammond was dismissed after edging a Scott Currie delivery onto his stumps. Ollie Price, after scoring his third half-century of the season, was caught off Rehan Ahmed while attempting a reverse sweep.

Van Buuren and James Bracey then dominated Leicestershire's fatigued bowling attack in a fifth-wicket partnership of 147 runs.

Bracey fell just short of his century, caught behind for 92 off a wide delivery from Currie. Van Buuren reached his century in spectacular fashion, hitting a six off Louis Kimber, and declared the innings at tea.

In response, Leicestershire needed 557 runs just to avoid the follow-on but struggled significantly. They lost Marcus Harris early, given out leg before to Matt Taylor.

Ed Middleton then struck in quick succession, controversially dismissing Louis Kimber and Lewis Hill in consecutive deliveries. Replays suggested Hill's bat might not have been involved in his dismissal.

Peter Handscomb was trapped on the back foot by Josh Shaw's full delivery, and young England all-rounder Rehan Ahmed edged a delivery from Beau Webster to James Bracey, leaving Leicestershire in a precarious position at 133-5 at the close.

As the match progresses, Leicestershire trails by a daunting 573 runs, with Gloucestershire holding a strong position both in terms of runs and points.