Van der Gugten Seeking Edge For Glamorgan

Timm van der Gugten has admitted Tuesday’s morning session could be all-important, as Glamorgan go in search of victory against Leicestershire.

The Dutch international paceman took his first wicket in Glamorgan colours on an attritional day’s cricket at The SSE Swalec Stadium, trapping Mark Pettini lbw for 27.

And Van der Gugten reckons early wickets will be vital, if the Welsh county are to take control of their Specsavers County Championship opener, with Leicestershire resuming their first innings on 296 for 6 – just 51 runs behind.

He said: “Tomorrow morning’s session will be the vital one and whoever wins that will be in control of the game, so hopefully we can start well and get on top.”

Van der Gugten admitted he was ‘proud’ to be selected on Sunday and delighted to get off the mark with a first Glamorgan wicket.

He added: “It was a great feeling yesterday morning (to be picked) and I’m very proud to represent Glamorgan. Hopefully, I can do it for years to come.”

Niall O’Brien’s innings of 93 stunted the hosts’ progress on day two. The Irishman enjoyed partnerships of 82 wihth Pettini and 66 with Wayne White on a mixed day for Glamorgan’s bowlers.

Van der Gugten added: “As a team I thought we bowled pretty well in stages but then we let the game get away from us at times. But if we can get a few early wickets tomorrow, the game will be back on.

“It was quite hard out there. It’s quite a nice batting wicket so you’ve got to work hard for your wickets. It’s a bit soft, but there’s enough there for the bowlers if you put in the effort.”

Glamorgan still lead Leicestershire by 51 runs. The visitors have four first innings wickets remaining, with White (42*) Ben Raine (8*) resuming on Tuesday morning.