Sutcliffe and Habib make hay in the sun

Leicestershire took full advantage of the ideal conditions with Iain Sutcliffe and Aftab Habib capitalising to maximum effect as both reached unbeaten centuries on a benign pitch in ideal conditions after the visitors won the toss.

Opener Sutcliffe batted throughout the day and his serene and patient approach brought him due reward as he reached his hundred having batted for five hours. The left-hander did survive an impassioned appeal for a catch at the wicket off the bowling of Ashley Cowan when he had scored 53. Cowan stared disbelievingly at umpire Jeff Evans who overruled the appeal and then stood in the middle of the wicket for some time before proceeding with his over.

Six balls later, Evans was apparently overcome by sunstroke and slumped to the floor before being assisted to his feet by the Essex fielders and receiving medical aid. He was persuaded to leave the field but returned nine deliveries later to resume his duties whilst Sutcliffe continued with his unflustered innings. By the end of the day he had faced 314 deliveries and struck 24 boundaries in reaching 149 not out.

In contrast, Habib was altogether more enterprising and equally effective as he adopted a more punishing attitude towards the Essex attack. He reached his century just before the close having faced 157 balls that included 14 boundaries with one six.

Essex spent the day toiling in the hot conditions and received sparse reward with only two wickets.

Trevor Ward was the first to go, having seen his side off to a steady start before he got a leading edge to an intended pull and was caught at mid on for 25 off the bowling of Graham Napier.

Ben Smith was the wicket to fall during the afternoon session when he was trapped leg before as he pushed forward to an inswinger from Justin Bishop before Habib joined Sutcliffe to condemn his opponents to an unenviable task of toil under the hot sun as the pair combined for an unbroken partnership worth 207 by the close of play.