Josh Hull falls three runs short of maiden century at Trent Bridge

Josh Hull narrowly missed a maiden first-class century as Leicestershire fought to stay in their County Championship match against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge. The 22-year-old nightwatchman made 97 from 247 balls before Dillon Pennington dismissed him, according to a report by the ECB Reporters' Network carried by BBC Sport.

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Hull batted for five hours and 15 minutes, striking 10 fours and two sixes. Before this match, the fast bowler had reached double figures only three times in 34 first-class innings and had a previous best of 35. His effort helped Leicestershire reach 250-7 at the close of day three in reply to Nottinghamshire's 451-8 declared.

Leicestershire resumed on 23-2 and Hull combined with Rehan Ahmed to frustrate the home attack through a shortened morning session. Their third-wicket partnership reached 83 before Ahmed, who scored 54 and completed his half-century from 86 balls, edged Pennington to first slip. Hull later added 94 for the fourth wicket with Hamza Shaikh.

Hull survived two chances during his innings. Wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne dropped him on 44, and Pennington could only get fingertips to a low caught-and-bowled opportunity when Hull had reached 90. Pennington eventually trapped the left-hander in front, finishing the day with 4-42 from 19 overs.

Nottinghamshire also had to replace the injured Brett Hutton at tea. Tom Giles entered as a concussion substitute and made an immediate contribution on his first-class debut, dismissing Nick Kelly and Stephen Eskinazi to take 2-26 from 11 overs. His wickets left Leicestershire seven down and still 52 runs short of avoiding the follow-on.

The result remained important at both ends of Division One. With Somerset and Warwickshire winning by an innings, defending champions Nottinghamshire had slipped to third in the live table. Leicestershire stood next to bottom, with their position under further pressure after Surrey's victory over Yorkshire. They ended the day 201 runs behind, leaving Nottinghamshire with an opportunity to press for victory on the final day.