In the Rothesay County Championship match at Chelmsford, Leicestershire set a formidable total of 333 runs thanks to an explosive opening partnership between Sam Budinger and Jake Weatherald. Budinger scored 89 runs and Weatherald added 61 runs, leading their team to a solid start with a partnership of 125 runs off just 22 overs. However, after their dismissals, Leicestershire's momentum slowed, with only Stephen Eskinazi managing to score a brisk fifty. For Essex, Wiaan Mulder was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 3 wickets for 70 runs. As Essex began their innings, they faced early trouble, losing nightwatchman Sam Cook on the second delivery. By the close of play, Essex had reached 10 for 1, still trailing by 323 runs. The match saw a stark contrast in scoring rates, with Leicestershire scoring 166 runs in the morning session compared to just 72 runs in the afternoon.