My Top Five: Lewis Hill

Throughout the winter, we’re asking our Foxes stars to pick out their top five moments in a Leicestershire shirt. Next up, Club captain Lewis Hill. Here’s what he chose…

5: Maiden One Day Century | Worcestershire, 2019 | Uptonsteel County Ground

The second of his ten centuries for the Foxes, Hill hit his maiden List A ton during Leicestershire’s 2019 Royal London Cup home opener against Worcestershire.

Against a strong Pears attack, housing the likes of Josh Tongue and Wayne Parnell, the Academy graduate smashed a destructive 118 from just 62 balls “ striking at a mighty 190.

Batting at number five, he motored from 50 to 100 in just 22 deliveries, cutting Tongue away to the third man boundary to reach three figures for the first time in 50-over cricket.

Hill put on a match-winning partnership of 200 with Colin Ackermann, who ended on 152 not out, as the Foxes posted an imposing 377/4, having been 5/2 in the first over “ going on to win by 38 runs.

4: First-Class Debut | Kent, 2015 | Spitfire Ground, Canterbury

After journeying through Leicestershire’s Academy and Second XI setup, as well as featuring in 11 List A matches for Unicorns, Hill finally got his opportunity in first-class cricket as a 24-year-old away at Kent in the summer of 2015.

It was the springboard for the Leicester-born batter to show his true potential, as he started with a debut 50 against a skilful home bowling lineup. His 57 formed a solid middle order display, with Ned Eckersley (67), Mark Cosgrove (113) and Neil Pinner (68) also passing 50.

Keeping wicket, Hill took four catches in an assured display behind the stumps. He was narrowly denied a winning start as Kent fought for a draw “ with the Foxes falling three wickets shy of victory.

3: First Game as Club Captain | Yorkshire, 2023 | Headingley

One of Hill’s proudest moments saw him lead the side for the first time as Club captain in last season’s opener at Yorkshire. With two campaigns as 50-over skipper under his belt, Hill replaced Callum Parkinson as red-ball leader in the winter and kicked off the epoch of his stewardship in style.

Chasing 389 in 87 overs on the final day, Hill’s side claimed an unforgettable three-wicket win to end a 113-year wait for a first-class victory at Headingley.

It was a statement win against one of the pre-season promotion favourites, kicking off Leicestershire’s promotion push which went right down to the final round of the summer.

2: Maiden Century | Surrey, 2015 | Kia Oval

In at two on Lewis’ list is his maiden career century, made away at Surrey in 2015. Hill wasn’t originally included in the squad, but a failed late fitness test for Matt Boyce sealed a serendipitous selection “ one which Hill made the most of.

In a makeshift role as opener alongside Angus Robson, Hill top scored with a superb 126 “ compiled from just 147 balls against the likes of Chris Tremlett, Tom Curran and Gareth Batty.

The then 24-year-old combined watchful defence and incisive attack en route to his maiden ton, showing his daring approach with two powerful sweeps over the ropes to move into the not-so-nervous nineties.

1: Lifting The One Day Cup | Hampshire, 2023 | Trent Bridge

Taking top spot, to nobody’s surprise, is the Metro Bank One Day Cup final in September. A day which will forever be etched in the Foxes family’s memories “ and a game in which Hill’s part cannot be underestimated.

Arriving at the crease in the first over, after winning the toss and electing to bat, Hill saw wickets tumble around him as the Foxes slumped to 19/4. But his defiant 42 kickstarted a fightback with the bat, before fellow homegrown heroes Sam Evans (60) and Harry Swindells (117*) took the baton to give Leicestershire a chance at halfway.

In the field, the captain’s astute juggling of his bowling options had a massive impact on the Foxes’ fortunes. The reintroduction of Chris Wright and Josh Hull just before the midway point of Hampshire’s chase was one such example, with the pair striking three times in four overs.

Hill’s bold call to leave 18-year-old Hull to bowl the death also paid off emphatically, with the 6ft 7” seamer’s nerveless over helping Leicestershire clinch a remarkable victory “ one which saw Hill become the first Fox to lift List A silverware for 38 years.

To watch Lewis and his Foxes teammates create more history next season, secure your 2024 Club Membership HERE.