Seconds Clash Finely Poised Heading Into Final Day
Thu 2 May 2024
Leicestershire’s Second XI hold a 164-run lead heading into the final day of the SEC clash with Northamptonshire at Kibworth.
Matt Salisbury struck twice after being added to the side on day three, before contributions all round the order took Dips Patel’s side to 178/5 at the close.
The Foxes made two changes overnight, with Salisbury and Julius Sumerauer replacing Josh Hull and Liam Tew.
Sumerauer struck in just his second over, trapping former Fox Michael Finan in front for 22. Northants 220/7 after 63.4 overs.
12 and a half overs later, Rishad Upadhyay (35) was removed by Sam Wood, ending a stand of 44 with Freddie Heldreich.
Salisbury picked up the final two Northants wickets. First, he dismissed Tommy Sturgess (5) after palming up a return chance to Wood at mid off. Alex Russell (8) was caught behind by Swindells shortly after to end the visitors’ innings on 289, leading by 14. Salisbury’s figures 9.5-2-30-2.
Openers Sol Budinger and Sam Evans looked in solid touch as they began the Leicestershire 2nd innings. The pair put on 71 after 21.3 overs, before Budinger went caught for 42 by Sturgess. Rob Keogh the bowler “ his first of five in the innings.
Evans (25) was bowled after taking a huge swipe at Keogh, before Jakob Bhula was caught for a single by Justin Broad in the spinner’s next over. Leicestershire 96/3 approaching the 30-over mark.
Harry Swindells looked fluent for his 34 (46b), but he too fell to the experienced Keogh, pinned leg-before looking to flick away into the leg side.
Usman Minhas, who made 90 earlier in the match, became Keogh’s fifth victim two overs later. The left-hander edging to Gus Miller at slip for a single. The score now 125/5.
Jake Tarling (31*) and the returning Roman Walker (25*) putting on an unbroken 53-run stand at the end of the day to take Leicestershire to stumps on 178/5. Day four resumes at 11am.
A live scorecard can be viewed HERE.
