Darren Gough grabbed two wickets with his first eight balls at Headingley today to give Yorkshire a great start to their Benson and Hedges Cup clash with Leicestershire, who were struggling on 88 for five after 33 overs.

There was a big shock even before the game began when Chris Lewis, who had yesterday revealed to the ECB the names of three players he alleges have taken bribes, was left out of Leicestershire's side.

Although Lewis was on the ground in good time, he did not feature on the scorecard and acting captain Ben Smith refused to elaborate why the former England all-rounder had been omitted.

"All I wish to say is that Lewis has not been included in the team," said Smith, who found himself in charge because skipper Vince Wells was suffering from a sore hamstring.

But Leicestershire coach Jack Birkenshaw commented: "For the sake of the team and himself it was better that Chris didn't play."

There was a further surprise when Smith decided to bat first on winning the toss and he was soon pondering the wisdom of the decision as Leicestershire slumped to three runs for two wickets.

Gough's third ball of the innings popped up on Darren Maddy and he presented Darren Lehmann with a simple catch at backward point.

Matthew Hoggard began with a maiden from the Kirkstall Lane end before Gough struck again in his second over by trapping Darren Stevens lbw for two.

There was plenty of life in the pitch and Trevor Ward did well to avoid a 'throat' ball from Gough before Smith was fortunate to get away with a risky hook at a bouncer from Hoggard.

Smith found better timing as he pulled Hoggard to the boundary and after eight overs Leicestershire were 15 for two.

Gough was rested with the remarkable figures of 5-4-4-2 and replaced in the attack by Ryan Sidebottom, who immediately had Smith dropped by David Byas at second slip.

But Sidebottom was to gain his revenge at 36 when Smith, on 19, got a leading edge and popped back a gentle catch to the left-arm paceman.