DeFreitas is Player of the Month

Phillip DeFreitas has been named as Leicestershire's Player of the Month for July. The 36-year-old all-rounder received the award, sponsored by Bland Bankart, during the current game against Surrey at Grace Road.

Although there was a shortage of cricket during the month - Leicestershire had only three Championship matches - DeFreitas was comfortably the side's most consistent performer with bat and ball.

He scored 200 Championship runs at an average of 40 with a magnificent 114 in the second innings against Kent the highlight.It was his fourth century for Leicestershire and the ninth of his career.

In the Norwich Union League he also showed his all round ability. He took nine wickets including 4-24 against Glamorgan, and when promoted to "pinch hitter" at the top of the order against Warwickshire, scored 49 off 37 balls to help the Foxes to a four-wicket win.

His seven Championship wickets during the month brought his total for the season to 33.