Yorkshire CCC | County Championship Match Preview | 05/04/2024

The wait is finally over! County cricket returns on Friday as Leicestershire start their 2024 campaign away at Yorkshire.

Headingley holds fond memories for the Foxes after last season’s opener saw Leicestershire record a historic final day chase. Rishi Patel and the debuting Peter Handscomb both hit centuries, while Chris Wright cameoed with a quickfire 40* on day four to fire the side to a three-wicket win.

Buoyed by the return of Handscomb and former Fox Marcus Harris - alongside winter additions Ben Cox, Liam Trevaskis, Ben Mike, and Scott Currie “ Alfonso Thomas’ side will be looking to mirror 2023’s opening round heroics.

Last Time We Met:

The penultimate contest of 2023 saw a rain-affected draw at Uptonsteel County Ground. A strong all-round effort from the attack skittled Yorkshire out for just 155, with Will Davis (4/28) and Tom Scriven (3/47) shining in gloomy conditions.

Harry Swindells backed up his One Day Cup final heroics the weekend prior with a crucial 73 in the middle of the innings, while Davis’ 44 not out helped Leicestershire take a 78-run lead into the third dig.

After four quickfire wickets second time around, the White Rose rallied with an 85-run alliance before heavy rain at lunch scuppered the Foxes’ victory charge.

Fox to Watch:

Marcus’ Harris return to Uptonsteel County Ground will be a huge boost to Leicestershire’s early season hopes. The Australian international will be with the side for the opening five rounds of the Vitality County Championship, beginning at Yorkshire.

His previous stint in the East Midlands during 2021 was an extremely fruitful one. His 655 runs from 13 innings were registered a very health average of 54.58, including three centuries.

The 31-year-old, who has accrued more than 10,000 first-class runs, adds versatility at the top of the order “ with an equally adept approach opening or batting at three. Either way, his runs will be vital to Leicestershire’s hopes at Headingley.

Opposition Player to Watch:

Foxes fans may already be aware of the presence of Harry Brook in Yorkshire’s squad for this week’s contest. Like Harris, the England international is available for the opening five rounds of the summer.

Brook has 4,248 runs in red-ball cricket at above 40, including 11 tons. His superb form earned the 25-year-old a Test debut in September 2022, with Brook scoring 1,181 at 62.15 from his 12 appearances on the international stage to date.

Unsurprisingly, he’ll be the prized wicket for Leicestershire’s attack at Headingley.

Squad:

Winter additions Cox, Currie, Harris, Mike and Trevaskis are all in contention to play at Headingley, while Rehan Ahmed and Peter Handscomb are also available for Alfonso Thomas’ side.

Chris Wright is unavailable for the trip due to personal reasons, whilst Josh Hull and Roman Walker miss out with side injuries.

Leicestershire: Ahmed, Budinger, Cox+, Currie, Handscomb, Harris, Hill*, Kimber, Mike, Patel, Salisbury, Scriven, Trevaskis, Wood.