Warwickshire CCC | One Day Cup Match Preview - 26/07/2024

Leicestershire are looking for two wins in three days to kick off their Metro Bank One Day Cup defence, with Warwickshire visiting Uptonsteel County Ground on Friday afternoon (2pm start).

Half-centuries from Sol Budinger, Lewis Hill, and the debuting Ajinkya Rahane helped the Foxes to a whopping 369/6 before Tom Scriven took 3/20 to steer the side to a 15-run win on DLS.

Warwickshire also got off to a winning start, as Ed Barnard’s 173 not out guided the Bears to a seven-wicket victory at Essex.

To watch the top-of-the-table clash, secure your tickets HERE.

Last Time We Met:

Leicestershire won comprehensively in 2022’s List A meeting, taking victory by 103 runs at Uptonsteel County Ground.

Louis Kimber (78) led from the front, as he almost posted a second 50-over century in the space of three days, while Wiaan Mulder (68), and Harry Swindells (54) helped fire the Foxes to an imposing 338 at the halfway stage.

At 115/2, the visitors were well placed, but Kimber continued his fine game to break the game open, removing former Fox Michael Burgess for 38. It induced a collapse, with Warwickshire all out for 207 “ led by Chris Wright’s 3/29.

Decisive Duel:

The battle of the captains could be crucial in determining Friday’s victor. Lewis Hill backed up his 71 in Monday’s warm-up against Buckinghamshire with a free-flowing 81 in Wednesday’s win over Notts.

Foxes skipper Hill, who lifted the trophy aloft after last September’s final at Trent Bridge, is looking to add to his 1,590 runs in the format, recorded at 26.06 with three centuries. Batting at three, Hill has the ability to accelerate through the gears and is an expert player of spin.

Opposing leader Barnard is in the form of his life in 50-over cricket. Deployed as an opener, he made a career-best 173 not out in Wednesday’s winning chase at Chelmsford.

It follows Barnard winning the 2023 Metro Bank One Day Cup Player of the Year award after topping the run scoring charts - having amassed 616 across nine innings - and taking 11 wickets as he helped Warwickshire reach the semi-finals.

Squad:

Alfonso Thomas has named an unchanged 14-strong squad for Friday’s clash at Uptonsteel County Ground.

Leicestershire Foxes: Budinger, Cox+, Evans, Handscomb, Hill*, Mike, Rahane, Salisbury, Scriven, Swindells, Trevaskis, Walker, Wood, Wright.