Brad goes big

Brad Hodge may have endured a scratchy start to his stint at Grace Road in 2003 but since the middle of last season he has not looked back. Leicestershire's record books will certainly read a little differently when he has left, with the county's one-day league individual record the latest to fall.

Hodge's unbeaten 154 underpinned the thrilling one-run victory over Sussex as Leicestershire brushed aside disappointing form in the Championship with a promising run in one-day cricket. He surpassed Barry Dudleston's record of 152, made against Lancashire in 1975, following his innings of 302 not out last season, which was the highest first-class score in the club's history.

It is not just Hodge's runs that lead the club to believe that they have an ideal overseas player. "He's an ambassador, an absolute role model on and off the field," says Gus Mackay, the director of operations. "We're pleased for him that he has played his way into a central contract with Cricket Australia, but obviously we're hoping that he won't be taken away from us."

Hodge was one of the senior players rested for the game against the New Zealanders at Grace Road, when Leicestershire's weakened side was heavily criticised. "There's always debate about the strength of counties' sides against tourists, but it's a chance for younger guys to prove themselves at a higher level and an opportunity for players to rest niggles, which you don't get very often in an English season," says Mackay.

Moment of the month The relief when Mark Cleary restricted Michael Yardy to a four - rather than the six needed for victory - as Sussex chased 324 at Horsham.