Hull Impresses On Injury Comeback As Seconds Draw Opener

By Pete Johnson

Josh Hull impressed on his return with the ball, taking 2/23 from ten overs, as Leicestershire’s Second XI drew with Worcestershire at Kibworth.

The weather, already having played a dominant part across the fixture, had the final say, as play was abandoned late into the afternoon on day four.

Bright sunshine greeted the players when they took to the field, the game starting on time at 11.00am. Leicestershire resuming on 61-2. Harry Swindells 39*, Jamie Dunk 0*. 

Worcestershire needed a further 16.3 overs in the morning session to dismiss Leicestershire. County all out for 120. Swindells top scoring with 43 (73b, 2x4/2x6). Alec McLoughlin weighed in with a little cameo of (24) 16b (2x6, and 2x4) towards the end of the innings. Pace bowler Yadvinder Singh picking up 5-16 from 7.3 overs for the Pears.

Worcestershire had 36 minutes to bat before lunch, and lost a wicket to the final delivery before the interval when Ed Pollock (11) 28b was bowled by Hull. Worcestershire into lunch on 18-1 after nine overs. 

Hull picked up a further wicket after the restart when he had Ethan Brookes (10) 34b caught at short mid on by Sam Evans. Hull additionally having a chance put down soon afterwards. 

Opener Rehaam Edavalath was giving stubborn resistance and posted a 50 partnership (54b) with Olly Cox. Worcestershire on 102-2 from 27.4 overs. Leg spinner Uttam Ramji picked up a couple of wickets before Ttea when he had Cox (39) 31b caught at cover by Evans, swiftly followed by getting Henry Cullen caught behind by Swindells. Worcestershire into Tea on 149-4 from 37 overs. 

In the second over after tea, Edavalath went to his 50 (4x4) 121b. Sam Wood returning for a second spell trapped Ishmail Mohammed (23) 28b in front. Shortly afterwards leg spinner Dinuk de Silva had Reeve Evitts (2) 7b caught at first slip by Sol Budinger. Worcestershire on 160-6 from 41.3 overs.

Some 10 minutes later at 4.27pm the umpires took the players from the field as light rain was falling, and also the light was closing in. Worcestershire 168-6 from 44 overs. Edavalalath 56* Ben Gibbon 5*. 

After several visits to the middle by the Umpires the match was abandoned as a draw at 5.19pm. Leicestershire 10 points, Worcestershire 11 points. Josh Hull getting 10 overs under his belt, taking 2-23, as he works his way back to full fitness. Uttam Ramji 2-56, Sam Wood 1-29, and an eye-catching spell from Dinuk de Silva of 6-2-14-1. 

Foxes followers of a certain age may remember Niro de Silva, Dinuk’s father, who played for Leicestershire some years ago.

A full scorecard can be viewed HERE.