Leicestershire start well but do not press the advantage

Leicestershire's score of 313-9 from 104 overs in their championship match against Surrey at Guildford was a considerable improvement on their performance when the two teams met previously just a few days ago, and would have been better still but for an excellent spell by quick bowler Martin Bicknell who took 6-70.

Ben Smith, who had made a double-century against Surrey at The Oval two years ago, made 102 with 15 fours in his stay of 191 balls and 263 minutes. He shared half-century stands with Ian Sutcliffe, Aftab Habib and captain Vince Wells without any really taking hold of the match.

Early in his innings Smith was missed by both Mark Butcher and Carl Greenidge. The former made belated amends by catching Smith off Bicknell in the first over after tea. Sutcliffe's early progress was pegged back by Bicknell and Saqlain Mustaq, and he was caught in the slips for 37 runs in 119 deliveries. Other batsmen started well enough but none settled.

Ian Salisbury did not come on to bowl until the 90th over because of a shoulder injury, and it is believed that he is being rested for the second innings. Saqlain Mushtaq who dismissed two batsmen in his 37 overs gave Bicknell good support.

Phil DeFreitas and Dominic Williamson gave the visitors hopes of a high total by adding 86th for the eight-wicket, the best partnership of the day. They hit 27 from 88 deliveries and 47 from 76 deliveries respectively. Williamson attacked Ben Hollioake with two fours in one over as he moved to his highest first-class score. Brother Adam gained fraternal revenge by dismissing Williamson and from the next ball caught DeFreitas from Saqlain Mushtaq.