Birkenshaw: Defeat worst disappointment in ten years

Leicestershire return with some relief to the county championship programme following their shock defeat to Gloucestershire in the NatWest Trophy. The county were upset particularly as they had come so close to success. Ian Harvey inspired Gloucestershire's sudden strike-back which toppled their opponents from the apparently safe position of needing just 20 runs with five wickets to fall and five overs to go.

Coach Jack Birkenshaw said: "It was probably my worst disappointment in 10 years back at the club. We didn't field well but were batting well and were almost there, but in 10 minutes it was all over. We lost five wickets for nine runs. It was a big blow." Leicestershire, placed third in the PPP Healthcare Championship Division One, play Surrey who are just one place below them. Birkenshaw thought it likely that with Trevor Ward unfit Iain Sutcliffe would give the team added batting strength. Chris Lewis, in contention for the same team spot as Jon Dakin, could well find himself playing against his former Surrey colleagues.