Lewis Hill Pens Open Letter To Leicestershire Fans

Dear Foxes Family,

As we reach the conclusion of an unforgettable 2023 season, I’d like to take this opportunity on behalf of the players, coaches, and staff to thank you for your unwavering support this summer.

Whilst we encountered our share of setbacks, we stuck together and overcame adversity as one. That unity is what makes Leicestershire County Cricket Club so special.

We have shown immense progress as a side this year, and our One Day Cup title is clear evidence of the strides we have taken toward becoming the successful club we all desire to be.

Speaking of our Trent Bridge triumph, it’d be remiss of me not to reflect on that day further. Largely, we owe our success to the support we received in the stands both during that final and throughout the competition.

It was by far the best atmosphere I’ve ever played in. Never has the cliché of ‘12th man’ felt more apparent. As players, we fed off that energy and, ultimately, it was the difference in a game of fine margins.

I think that win embodied everything Leicestershire stands for as a club. To be 19/4, then 89/6, and have our backs to the wall in the field, but still find a way to win - it was remarkable. Especially with two local Leicestershire lads spearheading that resurgence.

That fight, fortitude, and a never-say-die attitude epitomised everything we champion as a team and as a club. It was just reward for all the hard yards every single player and staff member put in across the whole season, and lifting that trophy is a euphoric feeling that will stay with us forever.

But we must not rest on our laurels. The winning feeling is addictive, and we must now endeavour to replicate those qualities in 2024 and beyond as we strive to create a golden era for the club.

As well as our 50-over success, we can also reflect fondly on our development in the County Championship. Our competitiveness in red-ball cricket has been the cornerstone of the club’s history, and it’s a format we’ve been desperate to improve in.

We may have narrowly missed out on promotion this time around, but we can take great comfort in the progress we displayed this summer. Right from the opening round, our intent was clear, as we broke records and rewrote the history books.

Our win against Yorkshire, the club’s first at Headingley in Championship cricket for 113 years, chasing near 400 on the final day, set the tone for the brand of cricket we wanted to play and acts as a benchmark of inspiration for future fixtures where victory may seem unlikely.

Whilst we will wave goodbye to a few familiar faces this winter, we can take great encouragement from the development of the squad as a collective unit. Guys like Rishi Patel, Tom Scriven and Josh Hull have really stuck their hands up this year, whilst our overseas stars Peter Handscomb and Wiaan Mulder provide immeasurable value to us both on and off the field. It’s an exciting squad to lead.

As a Leicestershire lad, I know what it means to you and all of our Members to ensure success at the club is sustained. Hopefully, this season has strengthened your belief and inspired a few new Foxes to join us on our journey. With you behind us, we can achieve greatness together.

Thank you once again for your passionate support throughout 2023. Winter well, and we hope to see you in 2024.

                                                                                                                        Yours gratefully,

                                                                                                                            Lewis Hill.

To see another exciting season at Uptonsteel County Ground, secure your 2024 Membership HERE.