Astle and McCullum give New Zealand the edge

New Zealanders 326 for 7 (Astle 93, McCullum 65, Fleming 56) v Leicestershire
Scorecard

Nathan Astle boosted the New Zealanders to 326 for 7 on the opening day of their tour match against Leicestershire at Grace Road. Astle scored 93, and added 94 with Stephen Fleming, who scored 56. David Masters took three wickets to haul Leicestershire back, but a late cameo innings from Brendon McCullum gave New Zealand the honours.

Michael Papps was given a chance to impress in the absence of the rested Mark Richardson, but he lasted only two balls, caught at first slip by Darren Robinson off Jon Dakin for a duck (0 for 1). Fleming and Astle then got in some valuable practice ahead of the second Test at Headingley next week.

Fleming cracked five fours and a six for a quickfire 56 before he was also caught by Robinson, off Charlie Dagnall (95 for 2). Scott Styris continued his poor form on the tour when he was caught by Tom New off David Brignull for 2 (104 for 3). Astle added 94 with Craig McMillan before Masters dismissed both of them, McMillan for 43.

Masters then pegged New Zealand back further with the wicket of Chris Cairns first ball, caught by New (207 for 6). However, McCullum showed signs of his good form from the first Test with 65 from 70 balls until he was trapped lbw by Dagnall. Gareth Hopkins was unbeaten on 40 at the close, with Daniel Vettori offering good support on 21 not out.