David Lloyd, Samit Patel fifties give Glamorgan solid base

Glamorgan, who may need to win this and their final game of the season against Durham to be in contention for promotion, were on course for a respectable first-innings total against Leicestershire at the end of the first day at Sophia Gardens. They will resume on 300 for 4, after two batsmen scored 66, there were four partnerships of 50 or more and three batting points gained with 19.4 overs left to achieve the maximum.

Glamorgan were hoping to bat first on a pitch that played better than it looked and is likely to take spin as the game progresses, but the decision was made for them when Leicestershire opted for an uncontested toss.

The visitors also decided to omit Callum Parkinson, their recognised spinner, a decision they may regret, especially as Glamorgan recalled offspinner Andrew Salter for only his second Championship game, in addition to the left-arm spin of Samit Patel.

Nick Selman and Kraigg Brathwaite made a quiet start to the innings, before Selman accelerated to strike Ben Mike for four boundaries in the seamer's fourth over. Mike got his revenge in the following over when Selman was well caught one handed by Will Davis at cover for 36.

Brathwaite, who averages 39 in first-class cricket and will be remembered for the 134 and 95 he scored against England for West Indies at Headingley two years ago, continued to play watchfully and was at the crease for 3 hours 40 minutes for his 44 before he was trapped leg before by Gavin Griffiths.

After Selman and Brathwaite had put on 62 for the first wicket, the second wicket pair of Brathwaite and David Lloyd continued the good work with their stand of 82. The third half-century partnership followed when Lloyd shared 52 for the third wicket with Patel. Lloyd scored 66 from 148 balls, with a six and eight fours, most of them driven with perfect timing through the off side, before he was bowled by Chris Wright.

Patel, playing the third of his four games on loan from Nottinghamshire, equalled Lloyd's score before spooning the first ball of the 81st over to square leg. Leicestershire, for reasons unknown, did not take the new ball until the 90th over, and a fifth half-century partnership was in sight with Billy Root and Chris Cooke sharing 45 for the fifth wicket. When play ended due to bad light with 5.4 overs remaining Glamorgan would have been satisfied with their day's work.