County Championship: Northants frustrate Leicestershire

Rob Newton's previous career best was 119 not out

Rob Newton made a maiden double century to help Northamptonshire frustrate Division Two promotion hopefuls Leicestershire at Wantage Road.

Starting the day on 69, with the hosts at 142-4, Newton compiled a fine 202 before Northants declared at 397-7, while still 122 behind.

Newton shared a steadying 81-run stand with Saif Zaib before Steven Crook joined him for a 101-run partnership.

Leicestershire saw out the final 15 overs to reach 49-0, leading by 171.

The visitors' hopes of victory took an earlier knock when paceman Clint McKay (2-78) was forced off with a suspected calf injury, which will likely force him out for the remainder of the match.

Leicestershire all-rounder Ben Raine told BBC Radio Leicester:

"We were hoping and expecting there to be a few more "ugly" balls, but it didn't work out that way. The pitch played very flat, but it was still one hell of a knock by Newton.

"We thought we'd be bowling all day and some of tomorrow, but it's an interesting declaration and it throws the game open again. If we can push on and get 300 plus ahead, with 60 or 70 overs remaining, it gives us a sniff as well as them.

"It could be an exciting final day. If we're without Clint McKay it would be a big miss for us, but the rest of us will have to step up."