GRACE ROAD, LEICESTER — Stevie Eskinazi produced a career-best innings of breathtaking quality, hammering an unbeaten 150 to propel LV= Insurance County Championship Division Two champions Leicestershire to a commanding 392-7 on the opening day against a beleaguered Northamptonshire attack. On a sun-drenched afternoon at Grace Road, the Australian-born batter, who recently qualified to play for England, was the cornerstone of a dominant display that left the visitors chasing leather and contemplating a long three days ahead.
Eskinazi’s magnificent 150 not out, his highest first-class score for the Foxes, came from just 189 deliveries and was punctuated by 21 crisp boundaries and two towering sixes. He walked to the crease with his side in a slightly precarious position at 57-2 but proceeded to bat with unwavering concentration and flair, sharing significant partnerships that systematically dismantled the Northants bowling. His innings was a masterclass in controlled aggression, blending classical strokeplay with powerful hitting, particularly through the off-side.
A Champion's Statement of Intent
Having already secured the Division Two title, Leicestershire could have been forgiven for taking their foot off the gas. Instead, under the leadership of Lewis Hill, they played with the freedom and confidence of a side riding a wave of success. After winning the toss and electing to bat, openers Sol Budinger and Rishi Patel started in typically explosive fashion. The pair have been instrumental in the county’s promotion charge this season, and they began this fixture in much the same vein, racing to 50 inside the first ten overs.
The breakthrough for Northamptonshire came via seamer Jack White, who had Patel caught behind for 25. Budinger followed soon after for a brisk 33, leaving the innings at a crossroads. This brought Eskinazi to the wicket to join the experienced South African, Wiaan Mulder. What followed was a period of utter dominance from the home side. The pair added 114 for the third wicket, with Mulder playing the perfect supporting role, allowing Eskinazi to take centre stage.
Eskinazi was particularly severe on anything short or wide, and he raced to his half-century. Mulder eventually fell for a well-made 48, but the dismissal did little to stem the flow of runs. Louis Kimber joined Eskinazi and the tempo, if anything, increased. Kimber, known for his destructive capabilities, smashed 42 from just 36 balls in a partnership of 77 that took the game completely away from Northamptonshire before the tea interval.
Eskinazi's Masterful Innings Unpacked
What made Eskinazi’s innings so impressive was its chanceless nature and its adaptability. He assessed the conditions and the bowling attack perfectly, shifting gears seamlessly as partnerships developed. He was severe on the opposition's key bowlers, including England hopeful Saif Zaib, whom he targeted with a series of punishing drives and cuts. His century arrived with a clip off his legs for a single, a moment he acknowledged with a modest raise of the bat, a testament to his focus on building a truly monumental score.
Speaking at the close of play, a delighted but grounded Eskinazi reflected on his day’s work. "It’s always nice to contribute, and to get a big score like that on the first day is very pleasing," he said. "The pitch is good, there’s value for your shots, but you still have to be disciplined. The lads have had an incredible season, and it’s great to finish at home in front of our supporters with a performance like that."
The key features of his innings that demoralised the Northamptonshire attack included:
- Relentless Off-Side Play: Anything wide of off-stump was mercilessly cut and driven.
- Sharp Running Between the Wickets: He turned ones into twos, keeping the scoreboard ticking over.
- Patience Against the Older Ball: As the ball softened, he expertly picked gaps and found boundaries with precise placement rather than pure force.
Northamptonshire's Day of Toil
For Northamptonshire, the day was a gruelling exercise in damage limitation. Without their injured captain, Luke Procter, the bowling attack lacked penetration and control on a flat batting track. Seamer Jack White (2-79) and spinner Rob Keogh (2-98) picked up wickets, but the economy rates told the true story of the day’s dominance. The fielding, at times, grew ragged as the sheer volume of runs took its toll.
Stand-in captain, Lewis McManus, was left to rue what might have been after losing the toss. "It was a tough day, no doubt about it," McManus admitted. "You have to give credit to Eskinazi, he played a fantastic knock. We didn’t bowl as well as we could have in partnerships, and we let them get away from us. We’ve got to come back tomorrow, try and take the last three wickets quickly, and then show some fight with the bat."
The visitors' frustrations were compounded by a couple of dropped chances and missed run-out opportunities, which allowed Leicestershire’s lower order to continue piling on the misery. Ben Cox (35) and Tom Scriven (26) both contributed useful runs alongside the immovable Eskinazi, ensuring the Foxes finished the day within sight of a mammoth first-innings total of 400.
The Context of a Successful Season
This dominant performance is the latest chapter in a remarkable redemption story for Leicestershire. For years the whipping boys of the county circuit, their transformation under head coach Alfonso Thomas has been dramatic. The signing of Eskinazi on a two-year deal earlier this season has proven to be a masterstroke, adding a layer of grit and high-class technique to a powerful batting lineup.
The victory that secured the Division Two title last week has clearly liberated the players. There is a palpable sense of joy and confidence in their cricket, a stark contrast to the struggles of previous seasons. This final home match of the campaign is being treated not as a dead rubber, but as a celebration of their achievements and a statement of intent for life in Division One next year.
Looking Ahead to Day Two
The question heading into the second day is whether Eskinazi can push on towards a double-century. With just three wickets remaining, he will need to farm the strike expertly, but the prospect of a landmark score is very much alive. For Northamptonshire, the objective is simple: wrap up the Leicestershire innings as quickly as possible and then bat with immense application and resolve.
The pitch remains excellent for batting, and any total below 450 could still be chased down. However, the psychological blow of such a dominant first-day display from the champions will be difficult to overcome. The pressure will be firmly on the Northamptonshire top order to respond with substance and fight.
As the sun set on a near-perfect day for Leicestershire, the standing ovation given to Stevie Eskinazi as he walked off unbeaten was richly deserved. His innings was not just a collection of runs; it was a demonstration of why this Leicestershire team are champions and a warning to their future opponents in the top flight. "It’s been a special day," Eskinazi concluded, "and a fitting way to celebrate what this group has accomplished this summer."