Dinesh Mongia hit an unbeaten 158-run knock to give the initiative to Leicestershire on a fruitful day against Essex in the four-day County Championship Division Two at Chelmsford.

Mongia's century, studded with 20 boundaries and a six, came off 246 balls as Leicestershire closed the day one on 392 for five in 104.5 overs on Wednesday.

Mongia and Paul Nixon (32) were at the crease when stumps were drawn.

The Punjab batsman also put on a 170 run partnership with H D Ackerman who made 111 off 191 balls, aided by nine fours, before falling to James foster.

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Ackerman, earlier helped to stabilise the innings by sharing 94 runs with opener Darren Robinson (53) after an early loss of Darren Maddy.

The Indian left-hander continued the good work despite seeing John Maunders depart on second ball and captain Jeremy Snape fall for 29.

Left-arm spinner Tim Phillips was the most successful bowler claiming figures of 2-57.