Ackerman in the runs for Foxes

Paul Nixon © Getty Images

HD Ackerman recorded his highest score in county cricket as helped to put Leicestershire in control of their second division basement battle with Glamorgan at Cardiff.

The 33-year-old South African Kolpak signing finished day one unbeaten on 177 with his side in a healthy position at 354 for six.

Ackerman’s good season continued as he passed 50 for the seventh time in eight championship innings.

Leicestershire were helped that Jeremy Snape called correctly on a benign Sophia Gardens pitch which is likely to spin during the latter stages of the contest.

But though Glamorgan captain Robert Croft lost the seventh toss in nine attempts this season, the home side reduced Leicestershire to 96 for three before lunch.

With little in it for the seamers, Croft turned to spin in the 16th over and Dean Cosker’s first ball of slow left arm produced the breakthrough.

Darren Robinson was the victim leaving a straight one that clipped his off stump.

The pitch seemed to suit the slower bowler and Croft and Cosker both helped to reduce Leicestershire further from 91 for one to 96 for three.

Like Cosker, Croft struck in his first over to remove John Maunders, who drove straight to mid-off.

And Cosker claimed the important wicket of Dinesh Mongia.

The Indian batsman attempted to drive Cosker only to edge a sharp catch to wicket-keeper Mark Wallace.

But Ackerman, who came in during the 16th over, began a painstaking recovery with John Sadler.

The fourth wicket pair added 82 in 29 overs either side of lunch until Ryan Watkins came into the attack in mid-afternoon.

The medium pacer took two Leicestershire wickets in the space of three balls.

Sadler drove straight to cover and two balls later Snape was trapped leg before.

And home hopes were gradually eroded as Ackerman, who reached his century from 168 balls with 15 fours, and Paul Nixon dug in.

As Leicestershire built up a useful first innings total, Ackerman and Nixon broke the sixth wicket record for their county against Glamorgan.

They beat the 130 put on by Brad Hodge and Claude Henderson at Grace Road two years ago.

Seven overs from the close the 160-run partnership in 42 overs was ended when Nixon was snaffled at slip by Brendon McCullum off Croft.