Raine ready for Essex challenge

Leicestershire all-rounder Ben Raine and the team have had a busy period with three NatWest T20 Blast games sandwiched between LV=CC fixtures against Lancashire and Essex, a game which starts at Chelmsford on Sunday (11am).

The focus has been on the Blast with three games in a week but Raine insists everybody’s attentions are now firmly fixed on their next four-day challenge.

Leicestershire have been competitive in all LV=CC matches so far but recently suffered a tough final session at Surrey and a disappointing last day against Lancashire at Grace Road. The team were bowled out on the final afternoon against the Red Rose county and are now looking to make amends at Chelmsford.

Raine said: “We’re excited to go and take on Essex. They seem to be playing on results wickets and that should suit our bowlers more. We’ve played on two very flat wickets in our away games at Canterbury and the Oval so hopefully Chelmsford will be better to bowl on.

 “We’re looking to put in a good performance again. Essex’s strength is in their bowling, their seamers such as Dave Masters and Jesse Ryder are very skilful and they have a rounded attack. But if we can put a good score on the board in the first innings and keep putting the ball in good areas, as we have been doing, then we’ll back ourselves as we have done all season.”

The 23-year-old is looking to continue his impressive start to the season. Raine has taken 18 first-class wickets and created plenty of chances with his ever-accurate seam bowling, and also made some valuable contributions with the bat

Raine was promoted to bat at number four in the most recent NatWest T20 Blast game at Worcestershire while also opening the bowling, and is relishing the opportunities that he has been getting.

He said: “You know as a bowler that you can only bowl a maximum of four overs in T20 Blast, so it’s not that hard on the body.

“I started off as a batsman so I’m still developing my bowling. I’m just trying to get as much information as I can off everyone. I’ve had Charlie Shreck and Lloyd Tennant in my corner and now I also have Clint McKay and Andrew McDonald, who have played international cricket.

“They all have a wealth of experience and although they probably think I’m pestering them a little bit, I’m just trying to be like a sponge and learn as much as I can!”

Raine is part of an 13-man squad that includes new signing Andrea Aganthangelou. Matthew Boyce also comes back into the travelling party after injury, with the duo making hundreds for the Second XI against Afghanistan this week. Jigar Naik and Ollie Freckingham are also pushing for starts.

Leicestershire will be without Niall O'Brien for the game as he is on international duty with Ireland. They take on UAE in a four-day Intercontinental Cup game on Tuesday in Malahide, Dublin.

Leics (from): Cosgrove (capt), Agathangelou, Boyce, Eckersley, Freckingham, Hill, McKay, Naik, Raine, Robson, Shreck, Taylor, Wells.