County Championship 2022 | Sussex close in on victory as Archie Lenham weaves magic

Sussex continued to dominate proceedings on Day 3 against Leicestershire. Their lower order propelled the team's score to 450 after they resumed the day on 386/6. Leicester managed to bowl out the visitors but not before handing a lead of 240 runs.

Leicester's second instalment did not commence on an optimistic note. They lost the first wicket on just 18, with Sam Evans trapped in front by Henry Crocombe.

After the initial damage, opener Hasan Azad and Rishi Patel took control of the situation and began playing cautiously. The duo stitched 76 runs for the second wicket, with Azad scoring a fine half-century. But, unfortunately, the building partnership ended as leg-spinner Archie Lenham came to the party and sent back Azad on 54.

Lenham made inroads further as Leicester lost wickets off consecutive deliveries, with the team's score reading 108. Colin Ackermann and Lewis Hill were sent back bamboozled by the leg-spinner.

With Rishi Patel still going strong at the other end, Wiaan Mulder tried to counter-attack. The latter scored 36 off 55 balls, with three fours and a six. Delray Rawlins scalped his wicket, and Sussex got one step closer to an imminent victory.

Leicester still trails by 45 runs at the end of the day's play with 195/5 on board. Patel (67*) and Harry Swindells are holding the fort. Only a miracle can stop Sussex from claiming a consolation win.

Brief scores

Leicestershire 1st innings: 210/10

Lewis Hill 35

Aaron Beard 58/3, Henry Crocombe 37/3;

Sussex 1st innings: 450/10

Tom Clark 138, Oliver Carter 72;

Callum Parkinson 98/3;

Leicestershire 2nd innings: 195/5

Rishi Patel 67*, Hasan Azad 54;

Archie Lenham 47/3;

Leicestershire trail by 45 runs