Delport in line for Foxes return

Leicestershire Foxes could be boosted by the return of Cameron Delport as they look to return to winning ways in the Royal London One-Day Cup.

The big-hitting left-hander has been with Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League, but their exit yesterday evening will allow Delport to make his way to the UK today (Saturday).

So if Delport’s travel itinerary goes to plan, Head Coach Paul Nixon will be able to welcome him into the side against Yorkshire Vikings at the Fischer County Ground tomorrow (11am start).

“Cameron Delport is flying in from the IPL so he’ll be part of the squad for the Yorkshire game, and that will give us a big boost,” said Nixon.

“We’ll assess him when he arrives but Cameron hasn’t played much cricket recently and is raring to go, so he should be fine. He offers us good skills with the bat, ball and in the field and it would be great to welcome him back.”

Nixon reserved praise for all-rounder Tom Wells after Friday’s defeat at Derbyshire Falcons, a game the Foxes came so close to winning thanks to his brilliant unbeaten 49.

Despite being within one hit of victory, Nixon accepted his side was not at their best, and said an improvement will be needed tomorrow.

“Tom got himself in and played brilliantly, he wants to win games and executed his shots beautifully,” said Nixon. “Some of Tom’s sweeps, reverse-sweeps and clean hitting was great. It followed on from a fine innings against Notts.

“But we probably leaked a few too many runs with our bowling and fielding, and their running between the wickets was excellent. We still should have got over the line though.

“I was disappointed with the way we complied some of our innings, we have to make sure we get in and look to play straight.

“We’ll take the learnings from the game and we’ll be looking for a similar performance to the one we produced at Northants.”

Nixon is looking forward to tomorrow’s match, which will be a big occasion for the club being the annual Family Funday, as well as an important fixture in terms of shaping the North Division. 

The Foxes has two points from three games and the Vikings has three points from four games - but you can throw a handkerchief over the division, so a win will allow a push up the table.

“We always thought that it would be a tight group and there is still an awful lot of cricket to be played,” said Nixon.

“Worcestershire were the only unbeaten team while Durham were the only team not to win before yesterday, but Durham then beat Worcestershire. There were also a couple of washouts, so we haven’t lost much ground.

“Yorkshire is a big game now and we’ll need to play well. They have some good players and could also have players returning from the IPL, so it promises to be a cracking occasion.

“The club has worked really hard to make it fun for all of the family and there is lots going on around the ground as well as the cricket.

“It would be great to see as many people as possible get behind us for a big game – hopefully our Members and supporters will turn out in good number.”

Delport’s return is one of two changes to the 13-man squad. Fast bowler Richard Jones is also in contention for a place in the starting XI as Gavin Griffiths is rested for the game.

Foxes (from 13): Aaron, Ackermann, Cosgrove, Delport, Dexter, Eckersley, Hill, Horton, Javid, Jones, Parkinson, Raine, Wells.

* All tickets to our Royal London One-Day Cup Family Funday against Yorkshire Vikings on Sunday, May 27 are available for just £1 in advance and on the day – please come down and enjoy a day of fun activities and cricket. Tickets can be purchased HERE