Swindells Steers Seconds To Superb Season-Starting Chase
Fri 18 Apr 2025
By Pete Johnson
Harry Swindells’ unbeaten 91 guided Leicestershire’s 2nd XI to a seven-wicket win over Worcestershire on the final day of their opening clash of the season.
Ably supported by Jamie Dunk (66), with whom the Foxes skipper added a match-winning partnership worth 129 runs, Swindells steered a chase of 264 inside 70 overs.
There were several changes to both teams on day three following call-ups to First XI squads. Leicestershire lost Alex Green, Liam Trevaskis and Roman Walker, replaced by Arnav Rai and Liam Tew. Worcestershire lost Rob Jones, Skipper Ed Pollock, and Fateh Singh. Henry Hawes coming into the team, and Henry Cullen taking over as skipper.
Worcestershire resumed on their overnight 140-2, Rehan Edavalath 47* Henry Cullen 7*. In the third over of the morning Edavalath went to his 50 (x4) 90b. Edavalath and Cullen brought up their 100 partnership in the 47th over.
A couple of overs later, Cullen went to his 50 (6x4/1x6) 69b. Edavalath then went to his 100 (13x4) 152b when he guided seamer Nick Green down to third for a couple. Worcestershire then declared at 12.38pm, the score on 276-2. Edavalath 110* Cullen 71*. Leicestershire requiring 264 to win from a minimum of 70 overs.
Sheridon Gumbs and Jay Madan safely negotiating four overs before Lunch was taken. County into Lunch on 5-0. Gumbs (26) 67b was going along nicely, and just about to get his teeth into the Pears attack when he was trapped lbw by Toby Cox, Leicestershire 36-1 from 17.5.
Harry Swindells joined Madan, and Swindells proved the lynch pin of the Leicestershire innings remaining at the crease until victory was achieved. Madan and Swindells posted a 50 partnership from the final ball of the 24th over, County on 88-1.
A couple of overs before Tea, Madan (46) 86b was pinned lbw by left arm spinner Tom Hinley. Leicestershire 92-2 from 30.3. A spirited innings from Madan after suffering a sickening blow on the helmet earlier in his knock. A good match for the 19-year-old having made 84 in Leicestershire’s first innings.
Jamie Dunk joined Swindells and the pair all but saw County home. Dunk was another victim of being struck on the helmet by Jack Home, from the final ball of the 39th over. Again, after treatment from the Physio Dunk was given the all-clear to continue.
He showed no ill effects, and Dunk took the biscuit in Home’s next over when he drove him through the covers to the boundary from consecutive deliveries. After the Tea interval the pair posted a 50 partnership after 64 balls together from the final ball of the 41st over. County on 144-2.
Dunk went to his 50 (9x4) 64b when he drove seamer Harry Darley through extra cover to the boundary. In the next over, Swindells and Dunk brought up their 100 partnership (149b), the score on 194-2 from 54.6 overs.
Swindells was looking increasingly comfortable at the crease and finding the boundary on regular occasions. The next delivery after the 100 partnership brought Swindells (7x4) 109b his 50.
Dunk (66) 82b was bowled by Jasvinder Singh. County on 221-3 from 59.3 overs, requiring a further 43 runs to win from a minimum of 10.3 overs. George Maddy joined Swindells and the pair saw County home with two overs remaining. Leicestershire 265-3, winning by seven wickets. Swindells (91*) 148b, Maddy (16*) 27b.
