County Championship: Ben Mike helps Leicestershire into good position at Yorkshire

Ben Mike returned to haunt his former county Yorkshire with a brilliant counter-attacking 90 as Leicestershire’s lower order carried their side to a first-innings 354 on day two at Headingley.

Three early wickets strengthened their position, with seamer Matt Milnes claiming two on his way to 4-73.

However, all-rounder Mike led the revival from 215-8, sharing a record ninth-wicket stand of 119 either side of tea with tailender Tom Scriven (56).

And Mike later struck twice in his first two overs with the ball as Yorkshire replied with 72-2 before stumps.

At the crease he had slog-swept and pulled three legside sixes en route to a 56-ball fifty, taking on Dan Moriarty’s spin and fellow all-rounder George Hill’s seam. He later battled Milnes as a century came into view.

Mike was ably supported by Scriven, the pair recording Leicestershire’s highest ever ninth-wicket partnership in first-class fixtures.

Yorkshire’s day had started well as Milnes had both Australian batter Peter Handscomb (26) and nightwatchman Scott Currie caught behind as the score slipped to 177-7 inside the first six overs.

Matthew Fisher later cartwheeled Ben Cox’s off stump for 32, leaving the Foxes in danger of not reaching 250, but Mike was followed to a fifty by Scriven.

Seven more runs had been added when Ben Coad trapped Scriven lbw, only for Mike to ensure a third batting point for reaching 350. The innings ended when Milnes had Mike caught at deep cover by Fisher.

And the response was not straightforward as Mike had Fin Bean caught behind with his third ball and captain Shan Masood (nought) caught at second slip as the score slipped to 47-2 in the 13th over.

But Adam Lyth played fluently for 43 not out, the ex-England opener passing 12,000 Championship career runs.

Report supplied by ECB Reporters’ Network.