Five-star display by Holland gives Foxes upper hand

MIDDLESEX DISMISSED FOR 232 ON FIRST DAY AT LORD'S

- Ben Kosky

IAN Holland underlined his status as Division Two's leading wickettaker with figures of five for 35 to give Leicestershire the upper hand on the opening day of their Rothesay County Championship clash with Middlesex, writes Ben Kosky.

The 34-year-old medium-pacer took his wicket tally to 26 for the season, returning three for nine during a relentlessly accurate opening eight-over salvo to reduce the home side to 19 for three at Lord's.

Middlesex gradually rallied, with Jack Davies top-scoring on 49, before Holland completed only the second five-wicket haul of his first-class career to dismiss them for 232.

Although Leicestershire reduced the arrears by 22 before the close, they lost Rishi Patel to the final ball of the day, leg before to Ryan Higgins.

Having won the toss, Foxes captain Peter Handscomb sent his former team into bat - a move that was immediately vindicated as Holland set about wrecking Middlesex's top order during the first half-hour.