A NUMBER of seasoned first team regulars have been included in the Gloucestershire second XI for this week's fixture with Kent.

With the Gloucestershire batsman enduring a miserable run in the four-day game, the chance to gain valuable time in the middle has been taken by a number of players.

Three of the misfiring batsmen who played in last week's humiliating Cheltenham Festival defeat to Northamptonshire feature for the second XI.

Openers Will Porterfield and Kadeer Ali, who both hit high scores in limited overs cricket at Cheltenham both start, with Porterfield captaining the side.

Experienced batsmen Craig Spearman and Hamish Marshall are also included as is first choice wicket keeper Steve Snell.

Former Somerset all-rounder Rob Woodman, who could come into the side on Friday, and David Brown complete the top order.

However their chances of getting some much needed time in the middle are set to be hampered by heavy rain which has already seen today's play cancelled.

A full day was managed on day one of the fixture yesterday, with the Gloucestershire bowlers performing well.

Young seamer Ian Saxelby claimed four wickets and Gemaal Hussain three as Kent were bowled out for 254 in 68.5 overs.

In reply Gloucestershire had advanced to 95 for one at the close, with Kadeer Ali top scoring with 44 not out.

Woodman, who opened the batting alongside Ali, made 40 before succumbing late in the day, Porterfield then joined Ali at the crease and was five not out at the close.

Gloucestershire Second XI: Kadeer Ali, R Woodman, W Porterfield (c), H Marshall, C Spearman, D Brown, S Snell, I Saxelby, J Taylor, G Hussain, V Banerjee, T Davies.

Scorecard:

Kent Second XI, 254ao (68.5), J Hockley 63, A Blake 59. I Saxleby 4-48, G Hussain 3-62. v Gloucestershire Second XI, 95-1 (31), Kadeer Ali 44*, R Woodman 40. W Lee 1-13.