Worcestershire claimed five wickets by the tea interval on the opening day of the Specsavers County Championship clash with Gloucestershire at Bristol.
An inspirational moment of fielding brilliance from Matt Henry turned things Worcestershire’s way after the hosts had progressed serenely to 37 after Worcestershire had elected to bowl.
Cameron Bancroft, on 15, played a ball from Joe Leach to wide mid-on and called for a quick single.
With only one stump to aim at, Henry clipped the bails at the bowler’s end with the diving Bancroft just short of his ground.
Ian Cockbain was then lbw to Ed Barnard pushing forward for five with the total on 56 and one run later Gareth Roderick was well held by the diving Ross Whiteley at third slip off Jack Shantry.
Chris Dent batted through the morning session, with just one major scare on 40 when edging Henry just short of first slip.
The left-hander was unbeaten on 41 at the interval with Gloucestershire 89 for three off 32 overs.
Dent followed up his 180 in the previous match against Derbyshire by making 59 off 136 balls, with six fours before he was caught at first slip by Tom Kohler-Cadmore off Barnard.
Gloucestershire Championship debutant George Hankins made 18 before he edged Matt Henry to Whiteley at third slip to give the New Zealander his first wicket for the County.
Hamish Marshall was unbeaten on 46 when tea was taken with Gloucestershire 178 for five from 64 overs.
