Can the Foxes make it four wins in a row?
It is hard to believe that Leicestershire, even in their wildest dreams, could have imagined that as we come towards the end of the first block of Championship fixtures, they would sit 30 points clear at the top of Division Two; a position that many would have felt this week’s opponents would be in. As it is, Lancashire are in seventh spot, still without a win.
These two sides met in week three in a match dominated by the Foxes. They dismissed Lancashire for 262, Tom Scriven taking a fifer, and then centuries from Rehan Ahmed and Peter Handscomb allowed them to declare on 491/8. Lancashire were then able to hold on for the draw, aided by the loss of the first two sessions of play on the final day.
The poor start to the season for the Red Rose county has led to Keaton Jennings standing down as captain, and Marcus Harris was in command for their last game against Derbyshire. They came within sight of their first win, but could not take the last two Derbyshire wickets. James Anderson was back in the side, and we wait to see if he is deemed fit for this week’s game.
Harris has had an excellent start to the season, currently leading the Championship run scoring with 795 at 72.27. They will be hoping that Jennings’ form will improve, relieved of the weight of captaincy, as he has had a disappointing start compared to his usual high standards, with just 374 runs at 31.16. Luke Wells has replaced Michael Jones at the top of the order alongside Jennings and has started well with 421 runs at 42.10, including 141 and 50 last week.
The bowling has not quite delivered, and currently George Balderson leads the wicket taking with 16 at 32.06, followed by Tom Bailey with 13 at 38.92. Ex-England spinner, Tom Hartley has had more opportunities this year, but has made a slow start with 12 wickets at a rather pricey 41.75.
Meanwhile Leicestershire keep winning, having dispatched Gloucestershire, Northamptonshire and Middlesex in their last three matches. They have three bowlers in the top eight wicket takers in Division Two, Ian Holland leading the way with 27 at 15.44. Ben Green has 21 at 18.09, and when you have bowlers taking wickets that cheaply, you will win matches. This will be the last match for Green with the Foxes as his loan agreement is coming to an end, and it will be interesting to see if Leicestershire will be able to resign him.
Peter Handscomb and Sol Budinger both have over 400 runs so far, but the Foxes have relied more on contributions all down the order, rather than big individual scores.
If Lancashire are going to turn their season around, this is as good a time to start as any, but Leicestershire will feel confident of registering their fifth win.
Key players:
This is Peter Handscomb’s third season at Grace Road, and while he has previously led them in the Blast, he has been given the reins of the Championship side this year. There is no doubting the success that has ensued, and it has not affected his run scoring, having made 432 at 54.00.
It has been a tough start to the season for Lancashire, but if there is one thing that might be able to lift them, it’s James Anderson running in and taking wickets. He missed the opening games with a calf injury, but returned last week, taking five wickets for just 78 runs. He was used sparingly, bowling just 28 overs over the two innings, and the hope will be that he can turn out again this week.
Team News:
Chris Wright was back in the squad last week having recovered from a knee injury, but did not feature. Josh Hull may be rested, having been selected for the Lion’s Test next week..
Leicestershire squad (possible): Peter Handscomb (c), Rehan Ahmed, Sol Budinger, Ollie Cox (wk), Ben Green, Lewis Hill, Ian Holland, Josh Hull, Rishi Patel, Tom Scriven, Tom Scriven, Liam Trevaskis, Logan van Beek, Chris Wright
Tom Aspinwall has not played since suffering a side strain in the opening match of the season.
Lancashire squad (possible): Marcus Harris (c), James Anderson, Tom Bailey, George Balderson, George Bell, Josh Bohannon, Tom Hartley, Matty Hurst (wk), Keaton Jennings, Michael Jones, Anderson Phillip, Ollie Sutton, Luke Wells, Will Williams
Weather and Conditions
Day one is set fair, but the forecast is for rain interruptions throughout the rest of the game..
Leicestershire have only been at home for two of their six matches so far, but it is usually a good contest between bat and ball at Grace Road. With the appearance of some damp weather the very successful Foxes seam attack should be in their element.
Date: 23rd May 2025
Time: 11:00
Ground: Uptonsteel County Ground, Leicester
