Essex captain Ronnie Irani hit a splendid unbeaten 87 as his side enjoyed a successful first day of the CricInfo Championship at Grace Road.

Irani steered newly promoted Essex to 276-5 by the close on a day when a bitterly cold north wind whistled across the ground. Under the circumstances it was a good toss to win for the visitors but Leicestershire's battery of seam bowlers stuck to their task well in the difficult conditions.

Veteran Devon Malcolm, one of three debutants in the home side, bowled impressively, taking 1-29 in 17 overs. His victim was Stuart Law who was bowled off an inside edge pushng forward.

Matthew Whiley, a 20-year-old left-arm paceman signed from Nottinghamshire, also claimed a wicket, yorking Will Jefferson with a fine delivery for 69.

Jefferson, at 6ft 10in, is said to be the world's tallest cricketer, and he certainly played a big role early on, sharing a stand of 85 with Darren Robinson.

Then Irani took over, reaching his half-century off 92 balls with eight fours and a six and putting on 119 with Steve Peters for the fifth wicket.

James Ormond removed Peters just before the close but, with Irani still there, Essex just about edged the day's honours.

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