Worcestershire’s Azhar Ali batted the whole day on Friday, scoring his first-ever County Championship double hundred in 328 balls against Leicestershire, eventually getting dismissed for 225.

Ali had had a poor start to the county season, garnering 34 runs in his first six innings, before striking form against Durham. Following a 92 against them earlier this month, he scored 60 and 88, reaching his first Championship three-digit knock at New Road, with his innings containing 22 fours and a huge six off Callum Parkinson. The length ball from the left-armer was heaved over deep midwicket for a six, as Ali continued his vigil at the crease as he notched up his first hundred in the County Championship since 2018.

He carried on to a big score, with his double ton coming off a fine four through the covers, ending the day on an unbeaten 202. Before walking back to the dugout, he caught up with young fans who were in attendance in the stands, which earned him plenty of praise.

Ali continued his innings on Saturday, but could only add 23 more runs to his overnight score. Worcestershire declared their innings on 577 after Leicestershire had made 148 in their first essay.

Watch Azhar Ali’s six here:

Watch Azhar Ali meet and greet the young fans after his innings on Friday here:

Watch the extended highlights of his knock here:

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