Cosgrove century saves Leicestershire

Mark Cosgrove has scored a century from just 121 balls to rescue county team Leicestershire’s innings against Kent overnight.

The visitors made a poor start to the Division Two match, falling to 2-31 in the first seven overs before the Leicestershire captain reached the crease.

He carefully negotiated a tricky period against the new ball before being given a life on 48 when an easy catch at slip was put down by Matt Coles.

Cosgrove hit 14 fours and one six before he was mistimed a lofted to the substitute fielder at long-on for 113.

With the aid of fifties from Ned Eckersley (67) and Neil Pinner (68), Leicestershire reached 5-300 at stumps.

It was Cosgrove’s first ton for the club since joining Leicestershire – which also boasts Clint McKay in its ranks - on a two-year deal in March.

Pinner praised the efforts of the Australian batsman at the end of play.

"Mark batted with great intent throughout the day, as he normally does when he gets in,” Pinner told the BCC.

"He put his boundaries away, really put the pressure on their bowlers and took the pressure off me.

"I could stand, watch and enjoy it because there was no pressure on me to score quickly once I did get the strike."

In Division One county action, John Hastings took 4-87 for Durham as Middlesex were bowled out for 463.

Wicketkeeper John Simpson (58) built on the solid foundation laid by Sydney-born Sam Robson (178) and Australia Test squad member Adam Voges (57) on day one.

Durham were 4-157 at stumps, with former South Africa under-19 captain Keaton Jennings unbeaten on 61.

Tom Cooper scored 30 as Somerset were bowled out for 250 by Worcestershire.

The hosts were 2-35 in reply at stumps, while in Division Two, Lancashire’s Peter Siddle picked up two wickets as Northamptonshire reached 6-198.

A Gloucestershire XI featuring Peter Handscomb was 0-77 at the end of day one after bowling Essex out for 159, while Derbyshire reached 2-47 against Glamorgan before rain stopped play in Cardiff.