Foxes given reality check

15 March 2007

Tim Boon © Getty Images

Leicestershire discovered the Indian reality TV Cricket Star project is unearthing some outstanding talent when they were beaten in a special Twenty20 match in Mumbai.

Outstanding performances from two young spin bowlers, firstly with the ball and then the bat, helped the Cricket Star XI to clinch a three-wicket victory over the 2006 Twenty20 Cup winners.

The tourists appeared to be on top when they raced to 90-2 off eight overs, but they then slipped to 143 all out as off-spinner Piyush Negi and leg-spinner Samandeep Singh performed well.

Leicestershire off-spinner Jigar Naik exploited conditions suited to the slower bowlers, by claiming three wickets in his four overs, leaving the hosts at 90-7 at one stage in their run chase.

But Negi and Singh, who are among the 11 finalists in the pop idol style contest, kept their nerve and steered the Cricket Star XI home in the closing stages.

Leicestershire coach Tim Boon said: "I am sure that these two young lads could make it in county cricket."

Boon had given the members of the Cricket Star XI a coaching masterclass in the lead up to a match which was expected to attract a television audience of millions.