Walker Takes Five As Seconds Start Strongly
Tue 10 Sep 2024
By Pete Johnson
Roman Walker picked up five wickets on day one of Leicestershire’s final game of their 2024 SEC campaign.
The Foxes were up against Northamptonshire, who they dismissed for 180, before making 117/2 at the close of play.
Harry Swindells, who skippered the Foxes, won the toss and inserted Northamptonshire. Play commenced at 11.15am, 45 minutes late due to early morning rain, a minimum of 92 overs available in the day.
23 overs were bowled before Lunch, during which Northamptonshire made 84/4. Walker picked up three of the four wickets to fall and was on a hat-trick on one occasion. Matt Salisbury taking the other wicket.
Rain started to fall during the Luncheon Interval, and play did not recommence until 2.40pm, 15 overs having been lost. In the first over following the resumption of play Northants opener Aum Raykar went to his 50, and a couple of overs later Raykar and Alex Corbett posted a 50 partnership.
Two balls later Corbett (14) was lbw to Walker. Walker then notched up a five-fer when he had Krish Patel (8) caught by Jamie Dunk. Northants on 111/6 from 29.4 overs.
Nat Bowley was introduced to the attack, and with his first delivery he had Raykar lbw (71). Pip Jackson replaced Walker at the Pavilion End and proceeded to mop up the tail, taking the last three wickets. Northants 180 all out from 47.1 overs.
Tea was then taken. Walker took 5/59 and Jackson picked up 3/27. All of their eight wickets been taken from the Pavilion End. Salisbury 1/50, and Bowley 1/17 were the other wicket takers.
Leicestershire commenced their reply at 4.51pm with a minimum of 29 overs remaining in the day. Jay Madan and Sol Budinger opened the innings, Madan (9) was dismissed in the seventh over.
Harry Swindells joined Budinger, the pair feasting on the Northamptonshire attack. Budinger went to his 50 with the score on 79/1 from 12.3 overs. Three balls later the pair posted a 50 partnership. Budinger (56) was dismissed in the next over, 12 boundaries in his belligerent innings. It crossed my mind as to whether Budinger should start a Cottage Industry in running Skipping Classes, as he can always find the ropes!
Ben Mike, returning from a lengthy injury, joined Swindells, and the pair were still together when bad light stopped play with seven overs remaining in the day. Leicestershire on 117/2. Swindells 24*, Mike 14*. Leicestershire trailing by 63 runs in the first innings, with eight wickets in hand.
A live scorecard can be viewed HERE.
