Australia flourish at Grace Road

Australia kicked off their first three-day warm up game in fine fashion today at Grace Road dismissing Leicestershire for 217 before racing onto 167/2 at the close of play.

Having won the toss, the home side were soon in deep trouble with Brett Lee dimissing Robinson from the first ball of the day, before going onto remove Maunders for 27 later on in his opening spell to reduce Leicestershire to 36/2.

With Sadler forced to retire hurt soon after, it was the Australian duo of Chris Rogers and Jason Krejza who struck a defendant half century and 38 respectively before both fell within the space of 20 runs.

A few lusty blows from the lower order pushed the score past the 200 mark before Jason Gillespie returned to the attack and immediately dismissed David Masters who had hung in for 50 balls before being wrenched from the crease for just 15.

Brett Lee stared with the ball with 4/53 while Jason Gillespie continued his run back into form with 2/40.

Australia made sure they were firmly in control by the close of play in helping themselves to 169 runs for the loss of only two wickets.

Michael Clarke departed for only nine, but with Justin Langer 71 not out and Ricky Ponting 6 not out, Australia will be looking for big runs in the morning.

Match Summary

Leicestershire: 217 Rogers 56, KKrejza 38, Lee 4/53, Gilliespie 2/40

Australians: 169/2 (34 ov) Hayden 75, Langer 71*, Maunders 2/22