Rob Keogh took five wickets for the 2XI on Day 3 as he continues his recovery from a back problem.

They 32-year-old has missed Northamptonshire’s last two Vitality County Championship games due to a back spasm but now looks to be building himself back up to be in contention for Northamptonshire’s next game against Gloucestershire on 10th May.

Northamptonshire began the penultimate day on 208/6, trailing Leicestershire first innings score by 67 runs.

The 2XI added an extra 81 to their overnight score thanks to an unbeaten 37 from Freddie Heldreich but the 2XI finished their innings with a slender lead of 14.

Leicestershire started their second innings strongly, building an opening partnership of 71 before Budinger skied one to Sturgess on the boundary for Keogh’s first wicket.

Six overs later and Keogh picked up his second as he got one to turn past Evans and bowl him, with the batter attempting a big leg side shot.

In Keogh’s next over he struck again as Bhula tried to play one down the leg side but instead played it straight to Justin Broad at leg slip and he was dismissed for 1.

A rain delay took the players off the field for an hour and with 28 overs to still be bowled, Leicesteshire were 97/3.

Seven overs after play resumed, Keogh trapped Swindells as he attempted to play across the line for his fourth and in his next over, Keogh completed his five-wicket haul when Minhas edged one to Gus Miller who took a sharp catch at slip.

A unbeaten 53-run partnership towards the end of the day between Tarling and Walker frustrated the 2XI as Leicestershire finished the day 178/5, leading by 164 runs.