Nottinghamshire’s batsmen got some good practice in the final warm-up match at Trent Bridge as they spent two sessions in the middle. Chris Read was the pick of the batsman with an unbeaten hundred as Notts reached 236-9 off their 60 overs.
The day didn’t start how they would have wanted though as Sam Kelsall fell for 0 in the first over to the bowling of Matthew Hoggard. Opening bowling partner Alex Wyatt then chipped in by removing Wessels for 12 and leaving Notts on 14-2.
However, James Taylor and captain Read set about rebuilding the innings along with spending some time out in the middle. They shared an unbroken 111-run partnership by the time lunch came around to see Notts to 125-2.
Taylor retired at lunch, content with his work of the first session, but Read kept batting, keen to acclimatise himself to early season conditions.
Partners came and went at the other end as quick wickets fell after lunch. Tom Wells removed Steven Mullaney for a duck before Oliver Freckingham took three wickets in an over to reduce Notts to 178-7. James Sykes then removed two more of Nottinghamshire’s batsmen; Gurney was stumped for one before Carter was caught for 0. Mullaney then came out for another bat and he and Read took them to tea and into a healthy lead.
Read could not be budged throughout and brought up his hundred, ending on 113 not out. Mullaney offered good support finishing on 25 as Nottinghamshire closed 142 runs ahead.
Leicestershire’s reply started slowly with Luke Fletcher getting the early wicket of Greg Smith for just three. Tight bowling from the Nottinghamshire quintet kept Leicestershire quiet with Fletcher soon picking up his second wicket, that of Ned Eckersley for 15. He went on to finish with figures of 2-17.
Angus Robson was keen to prove his worth and despite his partners falling, stood firm against a formidable attack. Josh Cobb joined the youngster and steadied the ship as they passed fifty still two down. Using the time as practice in the middle neither man gave many chances as they looked towards close.
They were well short of Nottinghamshire’s run target though finishing on 63-2, Robson making 33 and Cobb 11.
Nottinghamshire are back in action on Sunday when they take on Derbyshire at the County Ground in a two-day game.