Charlesworth Century Leads Gloucestershire Fightback Against Leicestershire

Charlesworth Century Leads Gloucestershire Fightback Against Leicestershire

Gloucestershire’s Ben Charlesworth produced a magnificent century to lead a spirited fightback against Leicestershire on the second day of their Vitality County Championship Second Division clash at Bristol.

Charlesworth, 23, notched his second first-class ton off 164 balls, adorned with 14 fours and three sixes, as Gloucestershire reached 227 for 3 by the time bad light ended play seven overs early. James Bracey remained unbeaten on 34.

Leicestershire had earlier posted 402 all out, with Liam Trevaskis (50) and Tom Scriven (60) contributing valuable runs. Zaman Akhter claimed 3 for 110 for Gloucestershire.

Despite the blustery conditions, Charlesworth and Cameron Bancroft put together a solid opening stand of 50. Bancroft departed for 39, but Charlesworth continued to impress, reaching his half-century off 96 deliveries.

Ollie Price joined Charlesworth and made a brief contribution of six before edging to wicketkeeper Peter Handscomb. However, Charlesworth and Hammond put on a 65-run partnership, with Hammond showcasing some flamboyant shots.

Green provided a crucial breakthrough, trapping Hammond lbw for 29. Charlesworth survived a scare on 77 but soon reached his century with two towering sixes off Trevaskis.

Bracey provided steady support, but with rain looming, it remains to be seen if either team can force a decisive result on a pitch that has favored the batters.

Holland Century Guides Leicestershire to Respectable Total on Day One

Holland Century Guides Leicestershire to Respectable Total on Day One

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.

Goldsworthy's Century Powers Somerset to One-Day Cup Final

Goldsworthy’s Century Powers Somerset to One-Day Cup Final

Somerset’s Lewis Goldsworthy starred with a career-best 115 not out as they secured a 23-run victory over Leicestershire Foxes in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup semi-final at Taunton.

Goldsworthy’s brilliant 86-ball knock, featuring five sixes and six fours, propelled Somerset to a formidable 334 for 4 after they were put in to bat. James Rew (71) and Andy Umeed (57) also made significant contributions.

Leicestershire’s chase was anchored by Peter Handscomb’s 111 off 86 balls, but they ultimately fell short, finishing on 311 for 9. Ben Cox (49) provided support, but Somerset’s bowlers, led by Ben Green’s 3-63, kept the Foxes at bay.

Somerset’s openers, Umeed and George Thomas, laid a solid foundation with a 91-run stand. However, Thomas departed for 47, and Umeed followed for 57. Goldsworthy and Rew then took control, accelerating the scoring rate and putting on 120 runs for the third wicket.

Goldsworthy reached his century off 79 deliveries and continued to punish the Leicestershire bowlers, while Rew contributed a valuable 71 before being caught on the boundary. Skipper Sean Dickson and Green added quickfire cameos to boost Somerset’s total.

Leicestershire’s reply began promisingly with Sol Budinger and Ian Holland putting on 54. However, Budinger’s dismissal triggered a collapse, with Green removing Lewis Hill and Holland in quick succession. Ajinkya Rahane’s departure left Leicestershire reeling at 106 for 4.

Handscomb kept the chase alive with a superb century, but Somerset’s bowlers maintained the pressure. Aldridge’s economical spell and wickets of Cox, Kimber, and Trevaskis proved crucial. Handscomb’s dismissal with 42 runs still needed effectively ended Leicestershire’s hopes.

Somerset will now face Glamorgan in the final at Trent Bridge on September 22, aiming to lift the One-Day Cup for the first time since 2019.

Handscomb Century Rescues Leicestershire, Keeps Knockout Hopes Alive

Handscomb Century Rescues Leicestershire, Keeps Knockout Hopes Alive

Leicestershire’s hopes of reaching the knockout stages of the Metro Bank One-Day Cup received a major boost as they defeated previously unbeaten Glamorgan by nine runs. Australian international Peter Handscomb played a pivotal role in the victory, rescuing Leicestershire from a precarious position with a superb century.

Chasing a target of 272, Glamorgan’s pursuit was hampered by the loss of both openers in the first nine overs. Colin Ingram’s top score of 68 kept the Welsh side in contention, but a career-best 61 from Dan Douthwaite ultimately proved insufficient.

Leicestershire’s innings had also been far from straightforward. After losing five wickets for just 59 runs, Handscomb and Liam Trevaskis combined for a crucial 103-run partnership. Handscomb’s 103 off 91 balls proved to be the backbone of Leicestershire’s total, while Trevaskis contributed 47 with the bat and 4 for 54 with the ball.

Glamorgan’s hopes were dealt a significant blow when Ingram was dismissed by Trevaskis with 75 runs still required. Douthwaite’s valiant effort kept the contest alive, but Roman Walker’s three wickets in quick succession sealed the victory for Leicestershire.

The result leaves Leicestershire on 10 points, one behind Glamorgan and Warwickshire. Both Glamorgan and Warwickshire have already secured quarter-final berths, while Leicestershire’s fate will be determined in their final group match against Gloucestershire.

Sibley's Century Ends Surrey's Losing Streak in One-Day Cup

Sibley’s Century Ends Surrey’s Losing Streak in One-Day Cup

Surrey’s dismal run of five consecutive defeats in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup came to an end with a resounding 17-run victory over Leicestershire at the Oval. The triumph was largely due to the heroics of Dom Sibley, who notched his second century in three matches.

Sibley, who had previously scored 149 against Warwickshire and 72 versus Nottinghamshire, continued his impressive form with a masterful 105. He shared a 138-run opening stand with Ryan Patel (72) and a 111-run partnership with Ben Geddes (61) to propel Surrey to a formidable total of 296 for 6.

Despite losing five wickets in the final eight overs, Surrey’s total proved too much for Leicestershire. Sol Budinger, the competition’s leading run-scorer, kept the Foxes in the hunt with a valiant 70, while Tom Scriven’s career-best 55 raised hopes of a thrilling finish.

However, leg-spinner Cameron Steel proved to be the match-winner for Surrey, claiming 3 for 48. All-rounders Ian Holland (2 for 50) and Scriven (2 for 51) also impressed with the ball, while 19-year-old seamer Sam Wood made a promising List A debut with 1 for 34.

The Foxes’ chase got off to a shaky start as they lost openers Holland and Lewis Hill cheaply. Ajinkya Rahane was dropped on four but failed to capitalize, falling for 27. Budinger and Peter Handscomb shared a 48-run partnership, but both fell to Steel, leaving Leicestershire in a precarious position.

Trevaskis and Cox departed in quick succession, leaving Scriven and Wood to keep the contest alive. Scriven hit two sixes in a 45-run eighth-wicket stand with Wood, but Steel’s stunning catch at backward point ended Scriven’s resistance and sealed the victory for Surrey.

With three wins from five, Leicestershire’s hopes of qualifying for the knock-out stages remain alive, but they face an uphill battle with Group B leaders Warwickshire and Glamorgan both boasting five wins from five.

Warwickshire Crush Leicestershire in Metrobank One Day Cup

Warwickshire Crush Leicestershire in Metrobank One Day Cup

Warwickshire continued their impressive start to the Metrobank One Day Cup with a dominant eight-wicket victory over Leicestershire at Grace Road. Skipper Ed Barnard starred with the ball, claiming four wickets, while teenager Hamza Shaikh anchored the chase with an unbeaten 34.

After winning the toss, Barnard opted to field first and his decision proved inspired. He dismissed Harry Swindells and Sol Budinger in quick succession, before trapping India Test star Ajinkya Rahane leg before wicket. Craig Miles then joined the party, picking up three wickets as Leicestershire collapsed to 40 for 4.

Ben Cox and Ben Mike briefly threatened a recovery, but their dismissals sparked another collapse. Leicestershire were eventually bowled out for a paltry 88 in just 25.4 overs.

Warwickshire’s reply began poorly as Chris Wright removed both openers cheaply. However, Rhodes and Shaikh steadied the ship with a composed partnership. Shaikh, in particular, impressed with his maturity and shot selection.

The pair put on an unbeaten 85-run stand to guide Warwickshire to victory with 32.4 overs to spare. Rhodes finished on 48 not out, while Shaikh remained unbeaten on 34.

Warwickshire’s victory was their second in as many matches, while Leicestershire suffered their first defeat of the competition. The Bears will now face Derbyshire in their next match, while Leicestershire will take on Nottinghamshire.

Peter Handscomb to Captain Leicestershire in T20 Blast

Peter Handscomb to Captain Leicestershire in T20 Blast

Peter Handscomb, the experienced Australian batsman, has been appointed as the captain of Leicestershire for the upcoming T20 Blast season. Despite his limited recent exposure to the format, Leicestershire’s director of cricket, Claude Henderson, believes Handscomb possesses the necessary qualities to lead the team.

Handscomb has only played six matches in the Big Bash League over the past two seasons, but his extensive experience in other formats has convinced Leicestershire that he is the right man for the job. The Foxes are aiming to qualify for T20 Finals Day for the first time since 2011, when they won their third title.

“I’m very excited to lead this team,” said Handscomb. “The balance of the side looks good and hopefully we can perform to the standards we’ve set ourselves.”

Handscomb initially joined Leicestershire for six County Championship fixtures last year, but his deal was extended, and he ended up playing five times in the Blast, including three as captain. He signed a two-year extension to cover 2024 and 2025 at the end of last season and is their leading Championship run-scorer this season.

Leicestershire won the Metro Bank Cup last year and hope to replicate that success in the T20 Blast. “We showed in the One Day Cup last year what we can do in white-ball cricket, so it’s an exciting prospect to try and replicate that in the T20s this year,” said Handscomb. “We want to entertain and play a fun brand of cricket.”

Henderson said: “Pete holds all the necessary qualities we are looking for in a captain. Not only does he possess extensive leadership experience, but he is also an incredibly calm head on the field and a highly respected voice in the changing room.”

Leicestershire finished bottom of the North Group last summer with two wins from 14 games, but they have added several new players to their squad in the off-season, including Ben Mike, Liam Trevaskis, Scott Currie, and Ben Cox. Wiaan Mulder will also return to the club as their other overseas player, alongside Handscomb. Rehan Ahmed should be available throughout after he was left out of England’s T20 World Cup squad.

Leicestershire’s first Blast fixture is against Yorkshire on May 31. The tournament’s group stage runs until July 19, with the quarter-finals and Finals Day due to take place in September.

Middlesex and Leicestershire Draw Rain-Hit Vitality County Championship Clash

Middlesex and Leicestershire Draw Rain-Hit Vitality County Championship Clash

Middlesex and Leicestershire’s Vitality County Championship encounter ended in a tame draw due to persistent rain on the final day. The hosts, Middlesex, held a 101-run lead with two wickets remaining heading into the fourth day. However, the inclement weather that had marred the opening day returned with a vengeance, drenching the outfield and preventing any play.

Umpires Paul Baldwin and Robert White patiently waited for the ground to recover, calling an early tea at 3:10 pm after an inspection at 2:35 pm. However, further downpours forced them to abandon the match at 3:25 pm.

Middlesex earned 15 points from the draw, while Leicestershire collected 12. Both teams now have 68 points, six behind leaders Sussex. However, Middlesex holds the advantage in the standings due to a superior win-loss record.

The draw was a disappointing end to a match that had promised much. Middlesex had posted a formidable 407 for 8 declared, thanks to centuries from Sam Robson (162) and Pieter du Plooy (131). Leicestershire responded with 306, with Peter Handscomb scoring a valiant 109.

Middlesex’s bowlers, led by Ethan Bamber’s 4-68, had put the hosts in a strong position heading into the final day. However, the weather intervened, denying them the opportunity to secure a victory.

Robson and Du Plooy Power Middlesex to Commanding Lead Against Leicestershire

Robson and Du Plooy Power Middlesex to Commanding Lead Against Leicestershire

Middlesex’s Sam Robson and Leus du Plooy dominated the first day of their Vitality County Championship clash against Leicestershire at Lord’s, sharing a record-breaking third-wicket partnership to put the home side in a commanding position.

Robson, returning from a thumb injury, top-scored with a meticulous 162, while Du Plooy struck 131 from 191 balls, his second century since joining Middlesex from Derbyshire. Their 252-run stand is the highest third-wicket partnership for Middlesex against Leicestershire.

The Seaxes posted a formidable 407 for eight, giving them a first-innings lead of 101. Leicestershire’s bowlers struggled to make inroads, with Ben Mike, Scott Currie, Ben Green, and Rehan Ahmed each picking up two wickets.

However, with the first day washed out entirely and a gloomy weather forecast for Monday, a draw looks the most probable outcome.

The visitors had doubled their overnight tally to two wickets in the first over of the day, but Robson and Du Plooy steadied the ship, accumulating runs steadily. Robson survived a scare on 39 when he was dropped by wicketkeeper Ben Cox, and went on to reach his half-century with a leg-glance off Tom Scriven.

Du Plooy also reached his half-century, giving Green the charge and hoisting a short delivery into the Mound Stand for six. After lunch, Robson reached his century from 198 balls, while Du Plooy completed his ton despite being dropped on 84.

The second new ball proved fruitful for the batters, who soon accelerated beyond Leicestershire’s total of 306. Robson pulled Mike for two fours and a six before tea, but the Foxes bowlers finally began to make inroads during the final session.

Du Plooy was first to depart, feathering one behind from Currie, and Ryan Higgins was bowled swinging at Green. Robson was also dismissed by Green, caught at backward point. Nathan Fernandes maintained Middlesex’s momentum with a pugnacious 25-ball knock of 31, including sixes off Green and Rehan, but holed out to deep midwicket. Toby Roland-Jones also perished in pursuit of quick runs prior to bad light intervening.

Handscomb Century Rescues Leicestershire at Lord's

Handscomb Century Rescues Leicestershire at Lord’s

Middlesex’s hopes of a strong start to their Vitality County Championship campaign were dashed by a resilient Leicestershire side, led by Peter Handscomb’s century at Lord’s.

After a rain-soaked opening day, Leicestershire stumbled to 83 for 4 before Handscomb, the former Middlesex skipper, steadied the ship with a patient and determined innings. He shared crucial partnerships with Rehan Ahmed (42) and Tom Scriven (46), guiding the visitors to a respectable total of 306.

Middlesex’s bowlers struggled to contain Handscomb, who reached his first century at Lord’s in 304 minutes and 188 balls. The hosts also dropped both Handscomb and Rehan, which proved costly.

Ethan Bamber emerged as the pick of the Middlesex attack, claiming 4 for 68. However, the hosts employed some unconventional field placements, allowing Leicestershire to accumulate runs through the vacant third area.

In reply, Middlesex closed the day on 64 for 1, with Mark Stoneman the only wicket to fall. Sam Robson and Max Holden batted through to stumps, giving the hosts a glimmer of hope.

The match was preceded by a poignant minute’s silence in memory of Worcestershire spinner Josh Baker, who passed away tragically at the age of 20.

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