Australian batsman Marnus Labuschagne played a pivotal role in one of the most remarkable matches in the 134-year history of England's County Championship, scoring a century as Glamorgan aimed to chase down an extraordinary target of 593 runs.
The match against Gloucestershire, Glamorgan's rivals from across the River Severn, culminated in a thrilling tie after four days of intense play. Glamorgan reached 9-592, leaving last man Jamie McIlroy needing a single off the final delivery to secure a world record for the highest successful fourth-innings chase.
Gloucestershire wicketkeeper James Bracey, standing back but not too deep, removed his right glove in anticipation of a possible bye. Ajeet Singh Dale bowled, McIlroy swung and edged the ball, and Bracey made a stunning right-handed catch, sparking wild celebrations at Cheltenham.
Bracey, who played two Tests for England in 2021, had been on the field for over 225 overs, having batted the last 74 of Gloucestershire's second innings to score an unbeaten double-century.
Sam Northeast (187) and Labuschagne (119) spearheaded Glamorgan's pursuit of the highest first-class run chase, surpassing the 536 achieved by West Zone against South Zone in the Duleep Trophy in India in February 2010. Although Glamorgan fell short, they set the record for the highest fourth-innings score in any first-class match played in England and the third highest of all time.
In the first innings, Gloucestershire were bowled out for 179, while Glamorgan managed 197. Gloucestershire then declared at 5-610, with significant contributions from Cameron Bancroft (184) and Bracey (204 not out), which seemed more than enough at the time.
The result left both teams mid-table in the second division. Glamorgan skipper Sam Northeast expressed his disappointment after the match, acknowledging the extraordinary nature of the game and how close his team came to a historic win. He remarked that while they weren't sure chasing 593 was possible, they nearly achieved it.
Gloucestershire's Bracey also shared his thoughts, admitting the team felt they should have won. However, he recognised the game as eight points gained rather than lost, crediting both sides for their exceptional batting performances.
In another match at Southport, Nathan Lyon's Lancashire couldn't secure the final eight wickets needed to win in the Australian off-spinner's last county appearance of the 2024 season. Despite Lyon's efforts, he finished with 2-65 from 27 overs as Joe Clarke's unbeaten 115 ensured a draw for Nottinghamshire, who ended at 4-270 following on.
James Anderson, who took a sensational 7-35 in the first innings, managed only one wicket in the second innings, dismissing New Zealander Will Young caught behind. NSW all-rounder Chris Green claimed the only other wicket on the final day, finishing with 1-20 off 15 overs in his County Championship debut.