Rogers ton thwarts Aussies

Leicestershire’s Australian import, Chris Rogers, struck a career-best 209 at Grace Road as the county side held their more illustrious visitors to a draw in the tourists’ sole first-class warm up before the Ashes series commences on Thursday at Lord’s.

Resuming 365 runs behind on first innings having been skittled for 217 on day one, Leicestershire were expected to offer little resistance on the third and final day of the contest. Nevertheless, Rogers and Darren Robinson held the Australian attack – missing Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne – at bay for the entireity of the first two sessions before Brett Lee – whose 13 overs cost 78 runs – bowled Robinson for 81.

Rogers ploughed ever-onwards, particularly brutal on spinners Stuart MacGill and Michael Clarke, with support from John Maunders to record his first ever double century. MacGill, inordinately expensive earlier, proceeded to stymie the Australian blushes to an extent as he collected the wickets of Maunders, Rogers, Hylton Ackerman and Jason Krejza as Leicester reached stumps at 363-5.

The big question – which two of Lee, Jason Gillespie or Michael Kasprowicz will start at Lord’s? – however still remains unanswered as Gillespie and Kasprowciz shared three wickets in the entire match. Three days remain…

Leicestershire 217
Chris Rogers 56, Jason Krezja 38
Brett Lee 4-53, Jason Gillespie 2-40

Australia 582-7
Damien Martyn 154*, Ricky Ponting 119
John Maunders 3-89, Stuart Broad 2-77

Leicestershire 363-5
Chris Rogers 209, Darren Robinson 81
Stuart MacGill 4-122, Brett Lee 1-78

Match Drawn