COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION TWO, Chelmsford:
CLOSE OF PLAY, DAY TWO: Essex 517-9dec, Leicestershire 93-2 (Essex 5pts, Leics 2pts)
26-29 August 2009

James Foster is captaining Essex in the absence of regular skipper Mark Pettini

Essex skipper James Foster hit an unbeaten century as the home side took control on day two of their match against Leicestershire at Chelmsford.

Foster (103no) helped to build on an innings of 150 from John Maunders before Essex declared on 517-9.

The England keeper put on 104 for the ninth wicket with David Masters (67).

In reply, Leicestershire reached 93-2, spinner Danish Kaneria claiming the wickets of Paul Nixon (40) and Boeta Dippenaar (0) just before the close.

Foster, captaining the side in the absence of the injured Mark Pettini, reached three figures for the first time this season off 160 deliveries.

Resuming on 310-3, Essex lost Tom Westley (71) to the first ball of the day. And Maunders followed soon afterwards having added just eight to his overnight total.

The visitors will begin day three knowing they need another 275 runs to avoid the follow-on, with opener Matt Boyce still at the crease on 47 not out.

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