Leicestershire’s Ian Holland notched up his fifth first-class century, guiding the team to a respectable 291 for 7 on the opening day of their Vitality County Championship Second Division clash against Gloucestershire at Bristol.
Holland, 33, played a pivotal role, scoring 104 off 173 deliveries, including 15 boundaries and a six. He received valuable support from Rehan Ahmed (60) and Rishi Patel (47) as Leicestershire capitalized on the 67 overs they had after losing the toss.
Despite a green pitch, Gloucestershire’s five-man seam attack, led by Marchant de Lange (2 for 58) and Zaman Akhter (2 for 86), failed to make significant inroads due to its slow nature.
The match faced interruptions due to a wet outfield, with play commencing at 11.30 am and an early lunch being enforced after just 3.1 overs. A 1.30 pm restart saw 18 overs lost.
Holland and Patel displayed confidence against the new ball, with Holland surviving an edge off Ajeet Singh Dale and Patel escaping a nick off Akhter. Patel’s innings was cut short when he edged de Lange to wicketkeeper James Bracey.
Lewis Hill’s dismissal at 77 for two was followed by a missed chance by Gloucestershire, with Ajinkya Rahane benefiting from a dropped catch between Bracey and first slip. However, Rahane’s luck ran out soon after, gloving a delivery from Dom Goodman to Cameron Bancroft at second slip.
Holland reached his half-century off 100 balls, driving a wide half-volley from de Lange for four. Leicestershire were well-placed at tea, with 139 for three from 36 overs.
Holland continued his positive approach after the break, uppercutting de Lange for six. Peter Handscomb’s hopes of success against his former county were dashed when he was trapped lbw by Ben Charlesworth for five.
Holland’s innings featured some impressive shots, including a boundary through extra cover off Akhter and another through point in the same over. Rehan joined the party, hitting a six and a four off Akhter to take Leicestershire past 200.
Holland reached his century with a square cut boundary off Singh Dale, while Rehan reached his fifty with a straight six off Ollie Price. However, Holland’s attempt at another uppercut off Singh Dale resulted in his dismissal, caught at deep backward point.
Rehan’s entertaining innings ended when he edged Akhter to Bancroft at second slip. Harry Kimber’s dismissal to de Lange gave Gloucestershire a strong finish to the day.
With four more overs lost to bad light, Leicestershire ended the day on 291 for 7, with 29 overs lost in total.
