LV COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION TWO, Grace Road:
CLOSE OF PLAY, DAY TWO: Leicestershire 464-3 dec, Middlesex 19-0 (Leicestershire 5 pts, Middlesex 1 pt)
Match scorecard

James Taylor's 206 not out was one run short of his highest first-class score

James Taylor and Andrew McDonald scored the highest fourth-wicket stand in Leicestershire's history to put them on top against Middlesex at Grace Road.

Taylor (206no) and McDonald (176no) came together with the home side on 104-3, adding 360 runs before skipper Matthew Hoggard declared on 464-3.

McDonald's innings was the highest score of his career while Taylor's was his second first-class double century.

Scott Newman (14no) and Sam Robson saw Middlesex through to 19-0 at the close.

The partnership between Taylor and McDonald beat their county's previous fourth wicket best of 290 between current Leicestershire coach Tim Boon and Peter Willey against Warwickshire in 1984.

It was also a welcome boost to a side struggling for form after being dismissed for 71 in their previous innings against Glamorgan.

The home side began the morning fearing more tribulations at the crease after closing the first day on 23-2.

But ineffective Middlesex bowling and some slipshod fielding saw them pile on 441 runs from 88 overs for the loss of just one wicket.

The man out was Matthew Boyce who fell to a perfect yorker from Gareth Berg with Leicestershire on 104.

From that point on the home team made serene progress to a total which skipper Hoggard aimed to capitalise on with the declaration.

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