Somerset 250 Worcestershire 402: Ben Cox's assured ton puts Worcester in complete control

Worcestershire’s 23-year-old wicketkeeper completed the second first-class century of his career and all-rounder Joe Leach narrowly failed to do likewise

Wicketkeeper Ben Cox struck his second first-class hundred to leave Somerset trailing by 152 runs (Rex)

Given the pattern of recent seasons, illustrating a clear gap between the First Division and the Second in the Championship, Worcestershire’s position among the relegation favourites is not unexpected. The sense of unease around the Somerset side is perhaps more surprising.

Yet they face a struggle to avoid a third consecutive defeat in this match, trailing by 152 on first innings after Ben Cox, Worcestershire’s 23-year-old wicketkeeper, completed the second first-class century of his career and all-rounder Joe Leach narrowly failed to do likewise.

The principal worry for Somerset is that they will be hard pressed to post substantial scores consistently, having lost Nick Compton and Alviro Petersen, and with Craig Kieswetter out of action because of an eye injury that may end his career.

In this match they have not impressed with the ball either. Conditions were easier for batting than on the first day but Somerset’s attack too often lacked discipline and at times leaked runs at an alarming rate, notably with the second new ball.

Lewis Gregory, who was hoping to make his England debut in Friday’s one-day international against Ireland, went at more than four runs per over, and Craig Overton was asked politely to withdraw after conceding 31 in two overs as Leach took to entertaining the holiday crowd. They will hope that Mick Newell, here to cast his eye over the pair in his England selector’s hat, had slipped away before the worst of the mauling.

Cox beat his previous best of 104, overtaking it with a pulled six off Gregory, having gone to a hundred in the same manner against Alfonso Thomas. He fell two balls after the second of those two blows, popping up a return catch to give Gregory small consolation. The home crowd showed their appreciation of a fine innings, one that began with a show of intent when he hit his first two balls to the boundary and continued in the same positive style, laced with some impressive driving.

Earlier, Alex Gidman, having completed his first 50 since moving from Gloucestershire, missed an opportunity when he cut Overton straight to backward point.

Likewise Leach, who was even closer, on 95, when he was caught at slip off Thomas. He and Cox had added 168 for the seventh wicket, a county record against Somerset. Worcestershire are in complete control, their only disappointment being a missed fifth batting bonus point.

County round-up by Jon Culley

Bowler of the day

Chris Rushworth claimed five wickets in an innings for the third match in a row as Durham bowled out Middlesex for just 89 at Lord’s. The 28-year-old seamer, who took 6 for 92 against Somerset and 5 for 81 against Sussex, combined with John Hastings to dismiss Middlesex in 24.2 overs after captain Adam Voges declined to enforce the follow-on. Tim Murtagh was not fit to bowl but top scored with 22 not out.

Rushworth had figures of 5 for 38, Hastings a career-best 5 for 24 and nine wickets in the match. Durham, 166 behind on first innings, need a further 235 runs on the final day to complete a third successive win, although they are already two wickets down.

Batsman of the day

Steven Crook, the Australian-born all-rounder, hit 91 off 89 deliveries with 13 fours and two sixes as Northamptonshire recovered from 197 for 6 to 385 all out against Lancashire at Wantage Road, although he was trumped later when the visitors’ Ashwell Prince completed his second hundred in as many innings.

Extras

Pete Marron, the Lancashire groundsman responsible for Test pitches at Old Trafford for 25 years until his retirement in 2008, has died in hospital aged 59, after suffering complications following treatment for bowel cancer.