Kirby the catalyst as Yorkshire strike

The Yorkshire fast bowler Steve Kirby produced three early strikes after the County Championship First Division leaders had set Leicestershire a second-innings target of 539 at here at Grace Road yesterday.

Kirby's treble, along with two wickets from Paul Hutchison, left Leicestershire wobbling at 53 for 5, although the hosts improved their position to 102 without further loss by tea with a stand of 49 between Darren Maddy and Vince Wells.

Kirby removed Trevor Ward, Ian Sutcliffe and Aftab Habib in his first seven overs, but appeared to have added a few comments to his bowling and the umpire Bob White spoke to Yorkshire captain, David Byas after one delivery to Wells.

Hutchison had Ben Smith caught by Michael Vaughan and Byas took a sharp catch to remove Darren Stevens.

Byas had closed his innings at 429 for 6, by which time he had completed his third hundred of the season, including eight fours, before holing out to long off.

Darren Lehmann moved on to 193 before being stumped.