On a blisteringly hot day Yorkshire lost their fourth consecutive toss and were invited to field first.
Ben Coad, continuing his return from injury, and Ben Cliff took the new ball but despite beating the bat on numerous occasions it took a change of bowling to provide the breakthrough. Harry Sullivan, in his third over had Evans lbw for 34 and lunch was taken at 66-1.
The score had advanced to 101 when Sullivan struck again to remove Rehan Ahmed for 25. Opener Azad was joined by Welch and they took it through to tea at 174-2. Azad had completed his half century from 165 balls with 8 fours. The same pair took their partnership to 146 before Coad struck with the second new ball to have Azad caught behind for 119 from 253 balls with 19 fours – his century came from 222 balls.
Further wickets fell to Tom Loten and two more for Sullivan to leave Leicestershire, at the close, 283-6 – the final 16 overs with the new ball went for 40-4.
A special mention must go to all players, officials and support staff for their efforts in such extreme conditions.
John Virr – 2nd XI Scorer
