Patel Continues Comeback With Second XI Century
Tue 3 May 2022
By Pete Johnson
Nottinghamshire played host to Leicestershire for a SEC fixture at Notts Sports Club, Lady Bay, Nottingham. It was Leicestershire’s 4th game of their 2022 SEC campaign, having won one game, and lost two games so far in the competition.
Leicestershire’s side included Rishi Patel, and Rehan Ahmed, both returning from injury. The Foxes had a good day with the bat, having racked up 294-4 at close of play. Patel weighed in with 121, well supported by Tom Scriven 62 not out, and Ahmed 45.
Leicestershire skippered by Gavin Griffiths, won the toss, and decided to bat. It was another grey, chilly, overcast morning when the players took to the field, with Brian Clough Stand, and Bridgford End Stand of the nearby Nottm Forest FC ground providing a backdrop to proceedings.
A sprinkling of die-hard spectators were huddled around the boundary, suitably attired in cold weather gear to battle the elements. Patel and Nick Welch opened up for the Foxes, the pair posting a 50 partnership after 20.3 overs. Patel making the lion’s share of the alliance with 39 of the runs scored. Patel and Welch took County into Lunch on 76-0. Patel 49*, Welch 25*.
As so often happens, a wicket fell soon after the break when Welch (25) 86b was caught a first slip by Notts skipper Matthew Montgomery off the bowling of seamer James Hayes. Welch contributing well to a solid start. Foxes 77-1 from 30.4 overs.
Rehan Ahmed joined Patel. In the next over Patel went to his 50 (6x4) 101b when he despatched seamer Toby Pettman through the covers for two. Patel and Ahmed brought up their 50 partnership from 110 deliveries when the score reached 128-1 from 49 overs.
Patel was looking in imperious form, and was providing a formidable obstacle for the Nottinghamshire attack. Ahmed meanwhile was playing a fine supporting role, but opened his shoulders to despatch spinner Calvin Harrison for a maximum.
Patel went to his 100 (12x4) 193b when he guided a delivery from Pettman to the fine leg boundary. Leicestershire 175-1 from 59.4 overs. In the next over Patel and Ahmed posted their 100 partnership.
Two balls later Ahmed (45) 83b was caught at first slip by Montgomery off spinner Matt Carter. A very mature innings by Ahmed, for one so young. Soon afterwards Leicestershire went into tea on 185-2 from 64 overs. Patel 112* Tom Scriven 0*.
In the eleventh over after tea, Patel’s innings came to an end when he was caught on the deep mid wicket boundary by Andrew Neal off Carter. Patel making an outstanding 121 from 238 balls with 15x4. Rishi, in the manner of his namesake at Number 11 (that’s Downing Street not the batting order), heavily taxing the bowling, whilst not sparing any cost on energy.
Sam Bates (0) 16b went bowled by Harrison, leaving County on 221-4 from 79.1 overs. Nottinghamshire had no further success in the day. Scriven after a very circumspect start blossomed, and went to his 50 from 82 balls (5x4/1x6). Leicestershire 257-4 from 86.6 overs.
Nottinghamshire having taken the new ball after 85 overs. Scriven found a reliable ally in Scott Steel. Steel going along at nearly a run a ball, as is his manner. The Leicestershire version of the SAS (Scriven and Steel) bringing up a 50 partnership from just 61 balls. At stumps, Leicestershire were 294-4 (96 overs), Scriven 62* Steel 37*.
A full scorecard can be viewed HERE
