We take a lot of confidence into the game - Hill

Leicestershire Foxes won their first Royal London One-Day Cup fixture against a strong Worcestershire Rapids team that were victorious at the FCG the week prior in the Specsavers County Championship.

There were a number of strong performances within the victory over the Rapids, including a career-best 91 for opener Harry Dearden, maiden List A centuries for Lewis Hill and Colin Ackermann, as well as an all-time fourth wicket partnership record of 200 set by Hill and Ackermann.

Hill spoke to the Club and was delighted with his individual performance, but in typical fashion, focussed on the displays of his teammates more so than his own.

He said: “It was a difficult start at five for two, but [Harry] Dearden and Ackers [Colin Ackermann] played really well to set that platform for me to come in at the end and play like I did. Big congratulations to those two, because they posted List A bests as well, but they set up the game for me to come in and play like I did.”

Dearden has opened each Royal London One-Day Cup game so far this season, and Hill is pleased for the Lancastrian to get some important runs under his belt: “He was fantastic, especially after the first two games," said Hill.

“He came in and played beautifully. He had to play himself in a little bit with the score, but he accelerated beautifully for his innings. He really deserved a hundred as well but fell a little bit short. I am sure that he will get there in the next few games.”

Hill posted his best List A score as well as his maiden List A century, and released a lot of emotion at the wicket once getting over the mark.

He said: “It was pleasing, but that was more to show the people how good I can be – it is just a starter for this competition for the rest of the year. There was a lot of emotion that came out there. I knew it was in me to do it, and it was good to show the home crowd what I can do, and hopefully I can continue for the rest of the year.”

The wicket-keeper had a big hand in getting the Foxes over the line to claim their first Royal London One-Day Cup victory of the season but insists that his performance was more for the team rather than himself.

He said: “I just wanted to do well for the team and to get that first win on the board – whether I contributed or not – it was great to get that first team win and hopefully we can push on for many more wins in this competition.”

Still riding the crest of the wave after the victory against the Worcestershire Rapids, attentions now turn towards Derbyshire Falcons, who travel to the Fischer County Ground tomorrow.

Hill is looking to build on the foundations set against the Rapids: “We aim to win every fixture we play,” he said. “We take a lot of confidence into that game, especially with the way everybody is performing.

“The first few games didn’t go quite as planned, but, we have bounced back and we can use all this momentum going into this game and hopefully get another win under our belts.”

In squad news, Aadil Ali made his comeback from a shoulder injury in the Second XI at Worcestershire CCC today, while Chris Wright has returned from illness to take his place in the 13. Ben Mike and Callum Parkinson are also in contention.

Leicestershire Foxes (from 13): Horton (capt), Ackermann, Cosgrove, Davis, Dearden, Griffiths, Hill (wk), Klein, Lilley, Mike, Parkinson, Taylor, Wright.

* Click HERE to watch the full interview with Lewis.