Leicestershire Bat Big In Final Pre-Season Fixture

Rain washed out the majority of the final day at Edgbaston but didn’t dampen a successful outing for Leicestershire in their final pre-season friendly.

Only an hour’s play was possible on day three, but a productive morning saw Alfonso Thomas’ side add a further 92 runs before declaring on 316/7.

Captain Lewis Hill retired out on 36 overnight, bringing winter addition Ben Cox to the middle alongside Rehan Ahmed. Former Worcestershire ‘keeper Cox was caught in the slips without scoring, but England international Ahmed picked up exactly where he left off.

In typically aggressive fashion, the 19-year-old struck seven fours and two sixes to bring up a 33-ball half century “ before he retired out. Tom Scriven made eight until he also succumbed to home seamer Michael Booth, caught behind by former Leicestershire ‘keeper Michael Burgess.

Ben Mike followed Ahmed’s lead, posting a quickfire 41* (31b) alongside the returning Cox (13*), before the Foxes declared with a lead of 87. Only 12 balls were possible before the heavens opened, with Warwickshire 3/0.

It followed an impressive batting display on day two, which saw Leicestershire’s top order fire emphatically. Last season’s top run-scorer Rishi Patel made a fluent 59, while opening partner Sol Budinger raced to 52 from only 45 deliveries. Louis Kimber, batting at three, retired out on 50, while skipper Hill was unbeaten on 36.

Earlier in proceedings, the Foxes had restricted Warwickshire to 229/9. Wickets were shared between Mike (9-0-2-30), Ahmed (7-1-32-2), Scott Currie (9-1-32-1), and Matt Salisbury (14-2-55-1).

A full scorecard is available to view HERE.

Leicestershire kick off their 2024 season away at Yorkshire on Friday, 5 April, before hosting Sussex at Uptonsteel County Ground on Friday, 12 April.

To watch Leicestershire in action this summer, secure a 2024 Club Membership HERE. And to get kitted out with the latest LCCC County Championship shirt, click HERE.