Worcs perform as predicted on opening day

Worcestershire’s first day of the 2008 season followed just how I predicted, with an average to poor batting display built around one score of note being followed up by a very encouraging beginning with the new ball.

The day started well enough, with Daryll Mitchell and Steve Moore putting on 33, albeit very slowly. However, when Mitchell was trapped in front by Lee Daggett for 7 it was the start of somewhat of a collapse, and we soon found ourselves 83-4, Solanki, Smith and Hick all following the youngster back to the pavilion. Steven Davies offered Moore support in a cameo of 22 off 27 balls, but after he and Batty got out in successive balls it was looking ominous for the Royals.

However, Kabir offered Moore some assistance and weighed in with a typically extravagant 36 from 43 balls. In was in this partnership that Moore brought up his fifty, from 228 balls – a dogged start from the opener. As soon as Kabir got out to Ant Botha the Worcs tail offered very little resistance and the three pears were all out for 249 – typically frustratingly 1 short of the next batting point. Moore carried his bat for 109 off 253 balls – a brilliantly gritty display which could prove invaluable come the third and fourth days of this match.

However, as suggested our strength this year is in our quick bowling department, and Kabir, Magoffin and Simon Jones all picked up a wicket each as Warks finished the day precariously placed on 39-3, with cloud cover expected for the start of day two.