Worcestershire Vs. Lancashire LVCC day one.

Lancs fight back after Ali century.

Ali made 104 in Worcestershire's first
innings total of 287.

Lancashire claimed seven Worcestershire wickets for just 72 runs as they fought their way back into their visit to Worcestsrshire. A Moeen Ali century gave the hosts a strong platform at 215-3, but a capitulation soon followed as Kyle Hogg claimed figures of 4-57.

For the majority of the day it appeared as though Glen Chapple's decision to bowl first was  unjustified, with just three wickets falling in the first two sessions and a degree of luck was certainly on Lancashire's side.

Both opening bowlers were without a wicket after 12 overs and with just his third ball of the day, forcing Worcestershire skipper Daryl Mitchell to edge to Andrea Agathangelou for 22.

Another long spell passed without even a hint of a wicket and Lancashire called on Luis Reece, who was yet to bowl for Lancashire in first-class cricket. With just a handful of deliveries before lunch he claimed his first wicket of what promises to be a long and successful career as Matthew Pardoe was removed for 35.

After the interval Thilan Samaraweera was the first of many Worcestershire players to throw away their wicket, ambling down the wicket, allowing Gareth Cross to stump him for 6 off the bowling of Kyle Hogg.

This fortuitous wicket proved to be the only breakthrough in a long afternoon session for Lancashire, with Ali passing fifty in 97 balls, as he and Tom Fell (43) made a contribution of 91 for the fourth wicket.

With the visitors struggling to create any chances the first day was heavily in favour of Worcestershire but, as is often the case in cricket, one wicket often brings a whole new outlook to the match.

Fell was comically run out by Reece and from the very next delivery Arron Lilley bowled Ross Whitely, joining Reece as he claimed his first Lancashire wicket in first-class cricket.

Joe Leach soon followed for 10, as Chapple picked up his only wicket of the day, with the only LBW of the innings. Ali continued to battle on despite the sudden change of fortune, reaching his century from 196 balls, hitting 13 fours in the process.

But Ali was the next Worcestershire batsmen to fall in a devastating evening session, as Hogg forced him to edge behind for 104, picking up a wicket with the first ball of the second new ball.

Both Jack Shantry and Oliver Cox were removed with the score on 252 and with Worcestershire nine wickets down it seemed as Lancashire would face more than the solitary over that they were forced to face out.

A frustrating last wicket stand between Graeme Cessford (13*) and Alan Richardson added 36 to the hosts total as the first day came to a close. After smashing 2 fours and a six Richardson finally fell for 21 as he was caught by Simon Katich.

Worcestershire's total of 287 proved to be surprising to Lancashire and left Reece and night-watchman Chapple six balls to face, with the possibility of the latter picking up an injury earlier in the day.