Dinesh Mongia slams 165 against Essex

London, May 4 (UNI) Dinesh Mongia missed his double century that seemed up for grabs but slammed 165 to put Leicestershire in a commanding position against Essex in the division two County Championship at Chelmsford.

Riding on twin tons by Mongia and Hylton Ackerman (111), Leicestershire reached 417 in 116.4 overs, losing all 10 wickets.

In reply, Essex were battling on 102 for six in 25.1 overs.

The left-handed Indian was typically pugnacious, driving and pulling with authority during his 273-ball knock, which was studded with 21 fours and a six.

Mongia, however, could add only seven runs to his overnight score and missed a double ton when Antonio Palladino, pick of the Essex bowlers claiming six for 68, trapped him plumb in front.

Mongia came in after the departure of opener D D J Robinson (53) at 97 for two and shared a 170-run parnership for the third wicket with Ackerman to help his side go past the 400-mark.

Essex did not have a great start with Pakistani pacer Mohammad Asif removing both the openers, including Grant Flower, and then claiming his third wicket in Ryan Neil ten Doeschate.

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