Mitchell and Ali bat Worcestershire into a strong position

but late wickets could prove to be key for Notts

Three wickets with the second new ball turned the match in Notts favour as an exciting last day is assured at Trent Bridge today.

Notts lost their final three wickets for 48 runs in 58 balls first up. White edged Lucas to third slip to depart for four. Conditions were once again gloomy and for a large part of the day the floodlights were switched on. Wessels only added nine to his overnight score before falling leg before to Richardson for 113 made off 148 balls with 14 fours.  Adams meanwhile was batting in his usual style with one huge six off Lucas sailing into the Hound Road stand; he eventually was bowled middle stump by Richardson for a run a ball 25, as Notts were 403 all out. Richardson finishing with figures of five for 95.

It was clear that the wicket was very easy paced and new ball wickets were essential. Phillips found Klinger’s edge in over 12 and the ball landed safely in Read’s gloves 26 for one. 

 There then followed a strange incident where Adams struck Mitchell’s pads and the slip cordon appealed but without any response from the bowler, Sharp presumably suffering from some kind of umpires Tourettes initially raising his finger but then changed his mind. Hales then dropped a catch above his head at slip this time Solanki being the lucky batsman. Shortly afterwards Solanki played a poor shot off Adams to be caught at point by Adams for 22, 61 for two.

This though was last wicket to fall for 48 overs as the lack of pace in the pitch and also in Notts attack was exposed. Moeen and Mitchell looked in no trouble as Read rotated his medium pacers who although sticking to line and length, all seemed relatively impotent on the now somnolent pitch. The sun briefly appeared after tea as the Notts fielding got slightly ragged. White had two brief spells but his seven overs went for 31. 

Those in the crowd who went across the road to watch the Garibaldi missed what hopefully was the crucial phase of the game. Moeen on 94 edged Adams to Read as the stand with his captain was ended after 174 runs were added; Moeen had hit 10 fours and two sixes both off White. Thirty-three balls later, the new ball was immediately taken and Phillips bowling from the Pavilion End induced Alexei Kervezee to play on as the Dutch Namibian departed for four. In over 83, a clearly pumped up Fletcher got the key wicket off Mitchell who saw his off stump cart wheeling and departed for 102 off 239 balls with 12 fours. Scott followed in identikit fashion next ball as Worcester were now 253 for six. Choudhry edged the hat trick ball but the ball did not carry to the expectant slips. Worcester closed on 258 for six, still needing 134 runs with all their top order batting gone. With Notts resuming with a ball just five overs old today they will be disappointed not to finish the job off today against opponents who will be clearly in the relegation mix come September.

With Pattinson on long-term sick leave, Notts are lacking pace in their attack and logic would suggest Carter and Gurney will get their chance sooner rather than later.  MAG