Kimber Thumps Ton But Essex Edge Day Four Thriller

By Pete Johnson

Louis Kimber struck a scintillating century in a valiant victory charge, but Leicestershire fell shy by 14 runs on the final day of their SEC clash against Essex.

The Foxes’ T20 skipper smashed 123 from only 89 deliveries after both sides contrived to set up a game at Billericay CC, with Leicestershire tasked to reach 311 from 70 overs.

Essex resumed from their overnight 126-2, Nick Browne 79*, Simon Fernandes 40*. Leicestershire used several part time bowlers to allow Essex to set up a target. Usman Minhas, Jay Madan, Harry Swindells, and Sheridon Gumbs all bowled, during which Essex racked up a further 201 runs in 23.3, progressing to 327-2 dec. Browne 174*, Fernandes 138*.

Gumbs and Madan opened the innings for Leicestershire, and after 9 overs County went into lunch on 28-0. But in the 6th over after lunch, Gumbs (16) 45b was caught at square leg by Ali Zeb off the bowling of Charlie Bennett. Leicestershire 38-1 from 14.2 overs.

Following a brief shower, Harry Swindells joined Madan, and it was noticeable that his running between the wickets was razor sharp! Swindells (15) 16b was bowled by Jamal Richards, County on 59-2 from 19.2 overs.

Kimber joined Madan, and it transpired that Kimber’s innings would put Leicestershire within touching distance of victory. The pair put on a 50 partnership from 52 balls, before Kimber went to his own half-century (10x4) from just 36 deliveries.

In the 30th over, Kimber hit seamer Sam Bear for five boundaries, as he operated in T20 mode. I could envisage Bear grizzling profusely as he retrieved his sweater and cap from the umpire at the end of the over. Leicestershire into tea on 135-2. Madan (35*), Kimber (54*).

With a further 176 runs needed to win from a minimum of 32 overs, Madan (40) 110b was caught at the wicket by Fernandes off left arm spinner Ben Lockrose. Jamie Dunk joined Kimber, and the pair scored freely against the Essex attack, bringing up a 50 partnership from 37 balls. County on 192-3 from 40.3 overs.

Two balls later, Dunk (24) 23b was another victim for the Fernandes/Lockrose combination. George Maddy joined Kimber and the duo continued to force the pace. Kimber was marooned at the non-strikers end for 21 deliveries when he was on 99. Maddy (25) 22b went lbw to Lockrose. County on 235-5 from 46.1 overs.

Minhas joined Kimber, and in the next over Kimber went to his 100 (18x4) 67b. The latest partnership to post fifty came from 51 balls, with Leicestershire on 285-5 from 54.4 overs. A further 26 runs required to win from a minimum of 15.2 overs.

With no addition to the score, Kimber (123) 89b was caught at long off by Jack Auld off Lockrose. A sublime innings by Kimber whose bat must have appeared akin to Darth Vader’s light sabre to the Essex attack, dismissive of anything that came near to it.

Next ball, first innings centurion Colby Dyer (0) was trapped lbw by Lockrose. Nick Green (5) 6b added a further 10 runs with Minhas, before being caught at mid-wicket by Bennett off Lockrose. Leicestershire 295-8 from 57 overs. 16 runs required to win from a minimum of 13 overs.

It was not to be for Leicestershire, however, as Matt Salisbury (0), and Ali Farooq (0) were both bowled by Bennett from consecutive deliveries. Leicestershire 296 all out from 58 overs, Minhas (31*) 39b putting in a good shift whilst at the crease. Essex winning by 14 runs.

A fascinating game to watch as the Leicestershire innings evolved, but unfortunately it was not to be for the Foxes. In an extremely close, tense encounter, the last two sessions of the game were a must watch for all of a red ball persuasion.