Cosgrove and Dexter keep Foxes running smoothly

Leicestershire made sure they picked up maximum bonus points before declaring on the final day of their County Championship match against Kent at Grace Road.

Centuries from captain Mark Cosgrove (122) and Neil Dexter (131), and useful contributions from the lower order, including an unbeaten 42 from all-rounder Wayne White, together with an entertaining unbeaten 17 from last man Charlie Shreck, enabled the Foxes to secure five batting bonus points before Cosgrove pulled out with a lead of 137.

The timing of the declaration meant that Leicestershire were left with a maximum of 45 overs to bowl Kent out for a second time - an unlikely prospect on an essentially good wicket. Although Clint McKay picked up two early wickets, trapping first innings centurion Daniel Bell-Drummond lbw for 4, and having Joe Denly caught at first slip having edged an out-swinger, Sam Northeast and Sean Dickson compiled an unbeaten partnership of 60 for the third wicket before the captains shook hands.

Cosgrove was on 99 when Leicestershire resumed on their overnight score of 174 for 2, and the Australian faced another nine balls before completing his hundred.

He had gone on to 122 when he misjudged the length of a Mitch Claydon delivery and was bowled attempting to pull, having put on 217 with Dexter for the third wicket.

Leicestershire quickly lost their second wicket of the morning when Mark Pettini, making his home debut, went forward to Claydon and got an inside edge on to his off stump. Dexter continued to accumulate steadily, however, and went to his 100 off 163 balls, including 13 fours.

Kent should have picked up their third wicket of the morning when Niall O'Brien edged Claydon to second slip, but Matt Coles failed to hold the two-handed chance.

Darren Stevens picked up the wickets of O'Brien and then Dexter soon after lunch, but White, Ben Raine and last man Shreck all hit out to good effect to take the Foxes past 400.