Flintoff's half century helps reduce Lancashire deficit at Grace Road

Resuming the innings on 219-2 after the tea interval, Lancashire looked intent on building a big score quickly.

Flintoff smashed his way to a half century off only 59 balls whilst Crawley was playing the anchor role at the other end. Flintoff's ability to hit hard and straight lofted drives featured strongly in his innings which was fully appreciated by the spectators.

His innings came to an end when he was caught at silly mid-off off a thin inside edge. A wicket was desperately needed by Leicestershire at this point and once again their leading wicket taker this season, Anil Kumble, duly obliged.

This brought Ganguly to the crease and he did not find life easy at the beginning. Infact, he faced 17 balls before scoring.

Leicestershires troubles seem to be mounting as not only were they missing their opening bowler Jimmy Ormond for most of the day through injury, but Phil Defreitas then pulled up in a delivery stride and did not bowl for the rest of the day.

With Lancashire now only a few runs behind it will be interesting to see how they will play this game tomorrow. Their overall run rate per over throughout the day was 3.6 and they should look to maintain and improve on this from the start tomorrow.