LV= COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION TWO, Grace Road:
CLOSE OF PLAY, DAY ONE: Leicestershire 303-5 v Northants
Leics 3pts, Northants 1pt
Match scorecard

Leicestershire batsman James Taylor only made his first-class debut in 2008

England prospect James Taylor top scored with 88 as Leicestershire made 303-5 on the first day of the County Championship season against Northants.

After being put into bat, the home side stuttered to 25-2, as Jack Brooks (2-73) took the early wickets of Paul Nixon and newcomer Will Jefferson.

Tom New and Wayne White later provided a bright end to the day for the home side, sharing an unbroken stand of 110.

New is currently unbeaten on 59 with White still there too on 52 not out.

New reached his half-century off 81 balls with eight boundaries and White was even faster taking just 59 balls, hitting nine fours.

But it was Taylor's innings that caught the eye most, his four-hour stay at the crease contained 14 sweetly-timed boundaries.

A century looked there for the taking until he inexplicably lost patience, attempting a big drive at a ball from Lee Daggett which he dragged it back onto his stumps.

The home side will be encouraged by taking three batting points on the opening day of the season. A year ago, it took them four matches to reach the same mark.

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