Azad Hits Hundred for Seconds on Day One
Tue 19 Jul 2022
By Pete Johnson
Leicestershire looked set to post a formidable total on the opening day of the SEC contest at Leeds University Sports Ground, Weetwood, but Yorkshire fought back into the game with a flurry of wickets that coincided with them taking the new ball. Leicestershire closed on 283-6. Hassan Azad 119, Nick Welch 79.
LCCC Member, Josh Hull, a right-arm seamer, was making his debut for the 2nd XI. Although he is only 17 years of age, the whole team look up to Josh, primarily as he is over 6 feet 6 inches tall!
Will Davis captained the Foxes, called correctly, and not surprisingly elected to bat, in the near tropical conditions. Regular hydration breaks were the order of the day in an effort to combat the searing heat.
Azad and Sam Evans opened the innings and posted a 50 partnership after 22.2 overs. The outfield was brown, and the surface like glass, so once the ball had beaten the fielder it was nailed on for a boundary, provided it had ‘the legs’.
Evans (34) 67b went lbw to left-arm spinner Harry Sullivan, in the over that followed the 50 partnership. County on 57-1 from 23.6 overs. Rehan Ahmed joined Azad, and the pair took County into lunch on 66-1 from 30 overs. Azad 22*, Ahmed 8*.
At Westwood the scorers sit, in what can best be described as a ‘crow’s nest’, which protrudes out from the roof of the Pavilion. As the day progressed, I was on Christian name terms with pilots of flights into and out of Leeds/Bradford Airport. Also, there are a multitude of steps to negotiate en route to the scorer’s sanctuary. I am of a certain age, so am available for Sponsorship, if Stannah Stairlifts have a window of opportunity available.
Azad and Ahmed had added a further 35 runs after lunch when Ahmed (25) 72b lofted one up from spinner Sullivan, ‘keeper Harry Duke pouching the catch as he ran towards the point area. Leicestershire 101-2 from 47.5 overs.
Nick Welch joined Azad, and the pair built a solid partnership that gave hope of a very large total being achieved. Azad went to his 50 (8x4) 165b, and six overs later the pair brought up their own 50 partnership from 73b. County 153-2 from 59.6 overs. Azad and Welch took County into tea on 174-2 from 64 overs. Azad 87*, Welch 24*.
In the 7th over after tea, their 100 partnership was brought up from 137b. Azad dropping anchor, and soaking up the balls, whilst Welch weighed in with a trio of his regulation maximums, clearing the long boundaries that were evident.
Azad went to his 100 (15x4) 222b when he pushed left-arm spinner Clarke Doughney up to mid off for a single. A patient, solid knock from Azad. Leicestershire 211-2 from 71.6 overs. A couple of overs later, Welch went to his 50 (5x4/3x6) 74b. Leicestershire 219-2 from 73.2 overs.
Yorkshire took the new ball immediately after it was available, with much success, picking up four wickets for just 40 runs. Azad (119) 253b went to the 3rd delivery with the new ball, caught behind by ‘keeper Duke off Ben Coad. Coad affectionately known in these parts as ‘Stinker’ as he has the initials BO! I personally prefer to refer to him by his ‘Sunday’ name, Morse.
A fine effort from ‘The Duke’ (of Azad) who departed the crease at 5.16pm, having had occupancy of it since 11.00am in the morning. Foxes 247-3 from 80.3 overs. A partnership of 146 for the 3rd wicket between Azad and Welch.
Vikai Kelley (4) 25b went lbw to seamer Tom Loten, and in the next over Welch (79) 114b went caught at deep long off by Joel Gunn off spinner Sullivan. A fine bit of footwork too by Gunn to ensure that his momentum did not cause him to come into contact with the boundary rope after taking the catch. Leicestershire 266-5 from 88.2 overs.
Sam Bates (4) 16b went bowled by Sullivan, leaving Leicestershire on 272-6 from 92.2 overs. Tom Scriven (7*) 17b and Ed Barnes (6*) 13b took County safely into stumps on 283-6 from 96 overs. Harry Sullivan returning figures of 4-48 from 24 overs, and becoming the first player to take 30 wickets in the SEC this season. Yorkshire 2 points, Leicestershire 2 points.
A full scorecard can be read HERE
