LEICESTERSHIRE KEEP WINNING DESPITE LEHMANN HUNDRED

It was a great all-round performance by the Norwich Union League Division One leaders who kept their cool in the field despite a blistering century from Darren Lehmann.

The Australian plundered 103 from 108 balls with ten fours and a six to record his maiden century in the competition but Yorkshire could still only manage 231 for seven as they chased a difficult 248 target.

Yorkshire, who won the toss, were handicapped by an injury in the field to left-hander Michael Lumb who damaged ligaments in his left knee so severely that he was unable to bat.

Despite Lehmann's fluency, Yorkshire were never allowed to dominate with the bat and they always had their backs to the wall after skipper David Byas and Matthew Wood went cheaply in the opening spells from James Ormond and Scott Boswell.

There was always a chance of pulling it off while Lehmann was there but Yorkshire's hopes died in the 41st over with the total on 199 when he was lbw to Vince Wells.

Leicestershire had earlier made steady progress with several batsmen making useful contributions without any of them going on to a big score, their best effort coming from Iain Sutcliffe who hit 48 before giving a return catch to Lehmann.

Ryan Sidebottom was Yorkshire's most effective bowler with three for 49 while Chris Silverwood celebrated his Test call-up with the dismissal of Ormond.

There was a surprise before the match began when Yorkshire left out England strike bowler Darren Gough.

Yorkshire first team coach Wayne Clark explained: "Darren looked very tired and jaded during the Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy match against Surrey last week and and it was decided to give him a rest.

"England boss Duncan Fletcher was consulted and he agreed that it was in England's best interests to give him a break before the Second Test at Lord's on Thursday."

YORKSHIRE BOWLERS STRUGGLE AFTER GOUGH IS OMITTED

Most of their batsmen made a useful contribution but none of them went on to a really big score, the highest coming from Iain Sutcliffe who reached 48 from 68 balls with five boundaries before being denied his half-century when he gave a return catch to Darren Lehmann.

Ryan Sidebottom was Yorkshire's most successful bowler with three for 49 while Chris Silverwood celebrated his Test call-up with the wicket of James Ormond.

There was a big surprise before the start when Yorkshire omitted Darren Gough from their side, despite it being his last opportunity of a bowl before the second Test starts at Lord's on Thursday.

Yorkshire first-team coach Wayne Clark said it was felt Gough had looked tired and jaded in the Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy game against Surrey last week and he had been left out after England boss Duncan Fletcher had been consulted.

"It was decided that it would be in the best interests of the Test if Darren were given a rest," said Clark.

© CricInfo

Date-stamped : 15 Jul2001 - 22:36