Cricket column by former Gloucestershire chairman John Light

New sponsors, an international superstar arriving, the Friends Life t20 starting and two exciting matches at Gloucester imminent. The county match against Essex was almost forgotten.

It should not have been. There was yet more interesting competitive cricket to watch. Gloucestershire dug in, played themselves out of a difficult position and ended the more likely winners of a rain-affected match.

A coachload of Essex supporters, with us for all four days, brought with them East London wit and wisdom, and left full of admiration for our emerging team.

It was Chris Dent, with a fine innings of 70 on the last day, who impressed most. Timing the ball well and using his wide range of strokes he took the game away from Essex, aided by the bold, belligerent Jon Lewis.

Ed Young, getting better each game, was another admired member of our side, which now shows both ability and character.

I usually meander round the ground at Bristol but not so much this match. Too many things were happening. The press conference to welcome Murali was one and it was delightful to get the chance to talk to Murali and his agent Neil Fairbrother over a couple of days.

When the Essex game ended, thoughts turned to the Friends Life t20. Away matches on the next two days gave the players no respite.

Last year we routed Surrey at the Oval. I gloated.

Not this year. Surrey are a different side. They have spirit, unity and a future. Three things not seen at the Oval for the last decade.

They have signed Australian Dirk Nannes, a t20 specialist bowler, and he won the game in his first two overs, dismissing captain Alex, Chris Taylor and conceding only seven runs. We were always on the back foot after that.

To win at the Oval these days you have to score 200. We did not and our bowlers soon found that on a belting wicket, with a short boundary one side, there is no margin for errors. Regrettably, there were a few of those.

The performance against Essex the following day was embarrassing. Our whole game plan needs reworking. I offer some helpful advice.

Look at these Friday figures. Spin bowlers: nine overs, 61 runs, three wickets. Seam bowlers: 11 overs, 140 runs one wicket. Surely evidence enough for a rethink.

My second observation would be: pick Dent if he is anything like fit.

Third point: be more flexible. We are always off the pace.

There are still plenty of matches to go and on the slower wickets at Gloucester, the next two could be wins - but what good sides we are playing.

The two opposing captains - Dominic Cork (Hants) and Rory Hamilton Brown (Surrey) - are two giants. Dominic is at the end of a long career and is a real pantomime villain. Do not boo or hiss him, it gets him going and he plays even better. Rory captains his side like Shakespeare’s Henry V. To him every match is Agincourt. I would have picked him as captain of the England One Day side.

I hope Gloucestershire get their selection right. Chris Dent must play in every game.

I wonder if the 20-over game is the place for Jon Lewis. He is no longer a greyhound in the slips and can be hittable. He will know if it’s right for him to play and is honest enough to make the correct decision.

Wicketkeeping is also a problem. Watch Steve Davies the Surrey keeper. He should be England’s t20 No.1. His keeping is good but his batting is better.

The only advice I can give the bowlers is tuck him up on the leg stump and make him play to mid-on.

Roger Cullimore’s belated presentation to Tom Graveney to thank him for his huge contribution to Gloucestershire cricket is a fine idea.

I say belated, because Tom left after committee incompetence 50 years ago.

As supporters we had no chance to say goodbye. Roger thinks it is time we did and has something planned for the Cheltenham Festival.

Donations please to: R Cullimore, 47 London Road, Stroud, GL5 2AV. You can help right a wretched wrong inflicted on a fine man, and not a bad player.

Do you agree with John? Have your say below.