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Bird Battles Brilliantly as Hampshire's Bowlers Impress
Bird Battles Brilliantly as Hampshire's Bowlers Impress
Jackson Bird and the remaining Hampshire bowling attack fought hard despite Daryl Mitchell's century on day one against Worcestershire.
Three wickets for Jackson Bird (3-77) ensured Hampshire enjoyed a positive opening day against Worcestershire, despite a cautious century from Daryl Mitchell (105*) in the LV= County Championship match at New Road.
Early wickets for Bird ensured Worcestershire were under immediate pressure during the opening two sessions, despite a rain affected start to the fixture.
However an impressive hundred from a battling Mitchell, who put on a valuable 142-run partnership with Joe Clarke (70), ensured the hosts recovered to reach 228-5 at the close of play on day one.
After being asked to bowl first, Hampshire began their bowling effort in excellent fashion as opening pace-man Bird struck in just his second over to remove Oliver (3) before rain halted play early in the morning session.
No further action was possible before lunch, but upon the resumption of play, Bird was the man to cause problems yet again and he picked up two further wickets, this time the key scalps of Tom Fell (0) and Tom Kohler-Cadmore (1) to leave the hosts in disarray at 27-3.
However, Worcestershire began to rebuild nicely with opener Mitchell and fellow top-order batsman Clarke beginning to look fluent at the crease and they both brought up impressive half-centuries before the tea interval.
With the partnership having already surpassed the hundred and the home-side well set on 167-3, Danny Briggs made the vital breakthrough with Clarke well-caught by Sean Terry at short-leg to bring about his demise.
Despite the loss of Clarke, Mitchell continued to steadily accumulate and his watchful approach proved to be well judged as he reached an assured century with just over eight overs remaining in the day, his second first-class hundred of the 2015 campaign.
He was well-supported by Brett D’Oliveira (19) during the evening session and the pair looked to have seen Worcestershire safely to the close, before young seamer Brad Wheal lured a false shot from the latter to see him depart and Hampshire regain the initiative.
Although Mitchell remained unbeaten to finish the day, an efficient and confident display from Hampshire’s bowling unit will likely have them feeling positive heading into tomorrow’s second day.
