Nixon and Allenby hit tons against Notts

Date: Sunday 05 April 2009

Leicestershire’s batsmen enjoyed a fruitful day against Nottinghamshire in the second pre-season friendly at Grace Road.

County made 367-5 from their allotted 95 overs in the day’s play thanks in large to centuries from skipper Paul Nixon and Jim Allenby.

Both retired on exactly 100, with Nixon’s knock taking just 106 balls and Allenby’s innings took in 149 deliveries.

There were boundaries aplenty as the captain’s hundred included 14 fours and two sixes and Allenby stroked 13 fours and five maximums in his innings.

Earlier in the day, Greg Smith made 51 and opening partner Tom New scored 33 before being trapped lbw by Samit Patel and Mark Footitt respectively.

Josh Cobb was run out for 20 before Nixon and Allenby took centre stage. When they retired, James Taylor was lbw to Andre Adams for 5, and Jacques du Toit made 30 before being caught by Ben McGuire from the bowling of Patel (2-72).

Wayne White and Jigar Naik saw the side through to the close, and Notts will bat for the whole day’s play tomorrow to conclude the match.

The visitors’ most impressive bowler on the day was Luke Fletcher, who sent down 17 overs for just 28 and asked questions of the batsmen throughout with useful swing.

Leics: New, Smith, Cobb, Nixon, Allenby, J.Taylor, du Toit, White, Naik, Harris, Gurney.

Notts (named 13 players): Jefferson, Hales, G.Wood, S.Patel, A.Patel, McGuire, Franks, Andrews, Adams, Fletcher, Kelsall, Shepherd, Footitt.