Jack Taylor made his Gloucestershire debut yesterday in one of the most remarkable County Championship matches of recent years.

The 18-year-old all-rounder from Great & Little Tew could scarely have anticipated what was to happen when he made his first-class bow against Derbyshire in the Division 2 match at Bristol.

Taylor did not even get a chance to bowl as Derbyshire were skittled for 44 in their first innings lasting 16.1 overs.

The Oxfordshire man did, however, catch Steffan Jones for Derbyshire’s final wicket.

Batting at No 8, Taylor made six in Gloucestershire’s 156 as they were dismissed before 4pm with a lead of 112.

That brought up the prospect of a finish inside one day.

However, Derbyshire fared far better in their second innings, closing the day on 127-4.

Off-spinner Taylor did not get a chance to bowl, but will hope to do so today.

Taylor has been playing for Keynsham in the West of England Premier League this summer, scoring 30 and taking 3-32 in their 27-run victory over Warminster.

Taylor’s fellow Oxon player, paceman Jack Brooks, continued his run of appearances for Northants last night with 3-41 in their CB 40 defeat against Yorkshire.

  • MICHAEL Beard has been ruled out for 12 weeks with a broken finger.

The Thame Town and Gloucestershire Academy all-rounder missed out on playing for England’s under 17 development squad because of the injury.

Beard, 17, said: “I broke my left index finger.

“They said I would be out for 12 weeks, but I am hoping to be back sooner.

“There is an England Under 18 winter programme, which I hope to be part of.

“I might miss the trials, but hopefully I can still get a chance.”

Beard’s next competitive cricket could be on Oxfordshire Under 19s’ tour to Australia in December.