Gloucestershire CCC | County Championship Match Preview | 17/05/2024

After a 10-day break from red-ball cricket, Leicestershire return to action with the visit of Gloucestershire to Uptonsteel County Ground on Friday.

The Foxes played out a fifth successive draw at Lord’s last time out, with the rain again playing a huge part. Peter Handscomb’s composed century against his former side, the stand out performance.

Gloucestershire will be full on confidence after their win over Northamptonshire this week. Hundreds for Miles Hammond and Cameron Bancroft, as well as Marchant de Lange’s 8-fer helped ‘The ‘Shire’ to a 256-run rout.

Last Time We Met:

Leicestershire took victory by eight wickets in last September’s meeting on Grace Road. Tom Scriven and Wiaan Mulder picked up seven and six poles respectively, amidst an exceptional bowling display from the attack.

The Foxes were left with a nominal target of 168 to win on the final day. Following an early scare, which saw the side reduced to 7/2, captain Lewis Hill (62*) and Colin Ackermann (93*) led a comprehensive canter.

Fox to Watch:

Scott Currie may have been a name which flew under the radar at the start of the season, but he’s transforming his role into a key fixture on the Foxes’ teamsheet.

An ever-present so far this term, the Hampshire loanee has 12 wickets to his name “ no Leicestershire bowler has more “ and he’s taken them at the lowest average too.

6ft 5” in stature, Currie possess the ability to generate the extra pace and bounce required on batter-friendly wickets “ something which has been necessary in the high-scoring contests so far this season.

Opposition Player to Watch:

Speaking of tall quicks, Marchant de Lange makes a suitable competition in this battle of the fast bowlers.

A 6ft 7” giant, the South-African born bowler picked up figures of eight for 100 in last week’s win against Northants, taking his tally to 18 from just three games this campaign.

The 33-year-old is an experienced red-ball campaigner, with 363 scalps across spells at the likes of Glamorgan and Somerset prior to his time in Bristol.

Squad:

Matt Salisbury and Harry Swindells enter the squad, while Josh Hull is also in contention to play. Chris Wright remains unavailable for personal reasons.

Leicestershire: Ahmed, Cox+, Currie, Handscomb, Harris, Hill*, Hull, Kimber, Mike, Patel, Salisbury, Scriven, Swindells.