WORCESTERSHIRE V HAMPSHIRE DAY TWO TEA REPORT
Ben Cox struck his second successive half century to help Worcestershire accumulate two batting points in the LV = County Championship top two encounter with Hampshire at New Road.
The Worcestershire wicket-keeper followed up his 64 against Surrey at the Kia Oval last week by moving to his 50 off 105 balls with seven boundaries.
He received excellent support from Joe Leach in an unbroken sixth wicket stand of 90 as Worcestershire reached 289-5 off 94 overs.
By tea Cox had moved onto 71and Leach 32.
Play got underway at 2.15pm after morning rain and Worcestershire resumed on 175-4 after 63 overs – with 63 remaining in today's play.
Kervezee, who was on 65 overnight, collected the first boundary of the day with an edge off David Balcombe.
Ben Cox cover-drove Balcombe for four to bring up the 50 partnership with Kervezee in 16 overs.
Hampshire vice-captain James Vince was introduced into the attack and was greeted with a cover-drive for four by Kervezee.
But after making 80 Kervezee firmly struck a leg stump delivery from James Tomlinson into the hands of Vince at short mid wicket.
The Dutch international struck nine fours and a six in his 142 ball innings and his partnership with Cox was worth 60 in 19 overs.
Spinner Danny Briggs came into the attack and Cox used his feet to cover drive him to the boundary.
The Worcestershire wicket-keeper then reeled off two fine cover-drives for four when Matt Coles replaced Vince.
A cut to the ropes off Briggs took Cox to 49 and he reached a fine half century off 105 balls with seven fours.
Leach gave Cox staunch support and a square drive off Coles earned a second bonus point at 250 and also completed a half century stand in 15 overs.
Leach started to accelerate and he cut and cover-drove Coles for fours and flicked the returning Balcombe off his legs to the boundary.
