Glamorgan ended the day at 114 for 2, trailing Leicestershire’s total of 251 by 137 runs. Colin Ingram remained unbeaten on 63, while Kiran Carlson contributed 42 not out, the duo forging an unbroken stand of 87 that put their side in a commanding position.
The match began with Glamorgan opting to bowl first under cloudy and damp conditions, a decision that paid off as Timm van der Gugten led the charge. Van der Gugten was the standout performer with the ball, claiming the first four Leicestershire wickets. His precise bowling removed both openers, Rishi Patel and Ian Holland, before lunch and added another scalp just before the break, leaving the visitors struggling.
Despite a shaky start, Leicestershire’s innings saw a late resurgence. Chris Wright, returning to first-class cricket after a drugs ban that was eventually deemed not his fault, helped his team recover to 251 all out. Wright, alongside debutant Sam Wood and Tom Scriven, added 75 crucial runs for the last two wickets, securing a batting bonus point on a tricky hybrid pitch in Cardiff.
Glamorgan's reply began poorly, with captain Sam Northeast falling for a golden duck, caught behind off the bowling of Holland. Debutant Asa Tribe didn’t fare much better, getting out for 4 after playing on to the same bowler. However, Ingram and Carlson steadied the ship, ensuring no further damage was done and setting the stage for a strong second day for Glamorgan.
Van der Gugten’s accuracy was key in Glamorgan’s early success, as he dismissed Patel with a delivery that clipped the off-stump and bowled Holland with one that jagged back slightly. He continued his form by removing Leicestershire captain Lewis Hill for 25, trapped LBW.
Meanwhile, Ned Leonard, on loan from Somerset, was unlucky not to dismiss Indian star Ajinkya Rahane, as a dropped catch by Dan Douthwaite at deep midwicket gave Rahane a reprieve. However, van der Gugten made sure Rahane didn’t last long after lunch, drawing an edge that was well taken by Sam Northeast at second slip.
Leicestershire’s middle order struggled, with Rehan Ahmed throwing away a promising start by top-edging a short ball from Douthwaite to Billy Root at deep square leg. Peter Handscomb followed, edging a Douthwaite delivery to wicketkeeper Chris Cooke for 46. Newcomer Fraser Sheat then claimed his first county cricket wicket, dismissing Liam Trevaskis cheaply, and Douthwaite wrapped up the innings by removing Louis Kimber in similar fashion.
Leicestershire’s lower order showed some resistance, with Wood and Scriven contributing a vital partnership before Wright and Wood took them past the 250 mark, ensuring they reached a batting bonus point.
Glamorgan’s solid partnership between Ingram and Carlson after the early setbacks has given them the upper hand, and they will look to capitalise on this strong position as the match progresses.