The second day of the County Championship match between Leicestershire and Northamptonshire was a rollercoaster of cricketing drama, with 16 wickets falling and the balance of power shifting dramatically.

Leicestershire's Commanding Lead

Leicestershire, the Division Two leaders, bowled out Northamptonshire for 191, securing a first-innings lead of 113. Logan van Beek was instrumental with figures of 4-47, supported by Ben Green's impressive 3-17. Northamptonshire's innings was marked by a collapse from 73-1 to 87-6, with Green and Van Beek exploiting the conditions masterfully.

Sanderson's Heroics

Despite the team's struggles, Northamptonshire's Ben Sanderson shone brightly. He took the first five wickets in Leicestershire's second innings, including a milestone 400th first-class wicket for the county. Sanderson's spell of 5-51 reduced Leicestershire to 52-5, momentarily threatening their lead.

Key Moments

• Morning Collapse: Northamptonshire lost five wickets for 14 runs before lunch, with Green and Van Beek causing havoc.
• Broad's Resistance: Justin Broad's 36 was a rare highlight for Northamptonshire, providing some resistance before being dismissed by Tom Scriven.
• Budinger's Blitz: Sol Budinger's explosive 39 off 24 balls included five fours and a six off Sanderson, but he was eventually bowled.
• Late Resilience: Van Beek and Ian Holland survived a challenging 12 overs to the close, ensuring Leicestershire ended the day with a 209-run lead.

Looking Ahead

Leicestershire will take a commanding lead into day three, but Sanderson's performance has given Northamptonshire a glimmer of hope. The match remains finely poised, with both teams having opportunities to seize control.

Milestones and Records

• Sanderson's 400 Wickets: A significant achievement for the Northamptonshire seamer.
• Green's Economy: Ben Green bowled 71 dot balls from 84 deliveries, conceding only one boundary.

Conclusion

Day two was a testament to the unpredictable nature of cricket, with individual brilliance and team efforts shaping the narrative. As the match progresses, the focus will be on whether Leicestershire can capitalize on their lead or if Northamptonshire can stage a comeback inspired by Sanderson's heroics.