Gloucestershire v Leicestershire: O'Brien hits quick ton as runs flow

Niall O'Brien scored his second century of the season for Leicestershire

Niall O'Brien smashed a quick-fire ton as Leicestershire replied to Gloucestershire's huge first innings.

Resuming on 246-2, the Foxes scored freely but Dan Redfern (60) was caught and bowled by Liam Norwell (3-131).

O'Brien then hit 13 fours and five sixes as he and Ned Eckersley both scored 119, sharing a stand of 180.

The flat pitch saw Leicestershire reach 565 all out, before Gloucestershire's Chris Dent was caught behind as the hosts ended the day 104 ahead on 23-1.

The placid nature of the pitch has left the game meandering towards a draw with just one day to play.

However, the attacking nature of O'Brien's innings did provide entertainment, with his second century of the season coming in just 108 balls.

BBC Radio Leicester's Richard Rae:

"Eckersley was steady and determined in going to his second century of the season, keeping the ball on the ground, but O'Brien was explosive, bringing up his century with the third of three sixes hit in four balls.

"Many were hoping Leicestershire might pull out while well behind to enable Gloucestershire to set an agreed target on the final day, but word came from the home-team's dressing room that they consider the pitch far too good."

BBC Radio Gloucestershire's Bob Hunt:

"It is difficult to see the game ending in anything other than a draw after both sides gorged themselves on a flat track.

"Tom Smith, who had bowled 43 overs without success, found himself involved in five of the last six wickets; two as a bowler and three as a fielder. A typically strange event in what has been a bizarre game."