JAMES FRANKLIN is the missing link that Gloucestershire have long been searching for, according to Director of Cricket John Bracewell.

New Zealand all-rounder Franklin arrived in the country on Saturday for his second spell with the county and made his second debut in the County Championship opener at Surrey yesterday.

Bracewell said: “He finished the test season with a couple of fifties, he hasn’t been over-bowled which is pleasing so we’re going to get a reasonably quick bowler and a batter who is in form.

“He is the point of difference in our side in terms of an all-rounder which perhaps hasn’t existed for the past couple of years.”

Bracewell referred to it as ‘unfinished business’ when his return to Gloucestershire was confirmed last year and said he wanted to lead Gloucestershire to a first ever County Championship title.

He takes over a side that didn’t win a single game and finished rock bottom of Division Two last season but he is looking for immediate progress and believes they are capable of challenging in all competitions despite gaining a reputation as one-day specialists.

“If we win more balls than we lose then we will make huge progress in that direction,” said Bracewell.

“If we’re smart with the rotation of our bowlers and we also have the confidence to use our squad to the full capacity, then over a period of time that confidence will allow us to develop a more rounded game for all forms of the game.”

Bracewell says he has been pleased with what he has seen from his squad so far.

“We’ve had a really good pre-season,” he said.

“The guys have come up with pretty good disciplines and I’ve seen some good progression from our first practice session at Bath, in particular with our bowling.

“I think the guys are starting to get a reasonable rhythm and understanding of what they’re trying to achieve and their lines have become a lot better.”