Maunders flays former colleagues

John Maunders found his former Leicestershire team-mates offered little bite, and was able to compile 142 by the close

John Maunders was able to celebrate a century against his former county as Essex dominated the opening day of their LV= County Championship duel against Leicestershire.

The 28-year-old opener, who spent five seasons at Grace Road before joining Essex in 2008, struck an unbeaten 142 as promotion-chasing Essex closed on 310 for three at Chelmsford.

It is only in recent weeks that he has fought his way into the side but this was his first substantial innings.

Maunders' only anxious moments were of his own making when he lost patience on a couple of occasions and swung across the line against off-spinner Jigar Naik. Otherwise his progress was measured if unspectacular.

He eventually reached his century with 14 fours, a landmark that needed 223 deliveries, and he went on to collect another six boundaries before the close.

But it was not a productive day for England's Alastair Cook. Against an attack lacking any real bite and on a friendly pitch, he failed to grasp the opportunity to make big runs.

Cook reached 31 before playing on against seamer Wayne White (2-68), who then had Varun Chopra caught behind by Tom New.

Matt Walker was another who, like Cook, failed to take advantage of a useful start. He reached 31 before he missed an intended sweep against Naik and was trapped leg before.

It was left to 20-year-old Tom Westley to produce the most fluent batting of the day.

He looked in complete control on his way to completing a 74-ball half-century, one that contained several eye-catching drives and square cuts. It included eight boundaries.

But soon afterwards, Westley was twice fortunate not to get a touch when beaten outside the off stump by the medium-pace of James Benning, before the same bowler had him dropped at first slip by Paul Nixon.

The youngster survived to end the day on 71. His partnership with Maunders, who predictably batted with more freedom once he had reached three figures, is so far worth 159.

All the signs point to the Leicestershire bowlers being subjected to more hard work before they can put their feet up.