Worcestershire paceman Chris Russell continued his good form against Nottinghamshire as 17 wickets fell on the opening day of the Second Eleven Championship match at the Royal Grammar School, Worcester.
Russell had marked his first NatWest T20 Blast appearance of the season with figures of 3-32 in the Rapids 24 run win over Nottinghamshire Outlaws at Trent Bridge on Friday.
He made the most of the seam and swing friendly conditions under cloudy skies yesterday by returning 4-35 from 13 overs as Nottinghamshire were bowled out for 117 in just over three overs after opting to bat.
But the visitors struck back with Luke Fletcher, who had also played in the T20 Blast match between the sides, registering a hat-trick as Worcestershire closed on 49-7 – a recovery from 7-5.
Russell was well suported by Graeme Cessford, fit again Graeme Whiles and Nick Harrison with two wickets apiece.
Spinner Shaaiq Choudhry made his comeback from a broken thumb suffered in club cricket and skippered the side after Joe Leach's recall to the senior squad.
Fletcher dismissed Richard Oliver, Choudhry and Brett D'Oliveira with successive deliveries and finished with figures of 4-5 from nine overs before bad light halted play.
Nottinghamshire first innings: Kelsall c Kohler-Cadmore b Harrison 17, Azad c Mellor b Russell 0, Wood c Russell b Cessford 1, Behardien c Mellor b Whiles 18, Tillcock c Mellor b Russell 11, Root c Hepburn b Whiles 20, Cross c Mellor b Cessford 13, Hutton c Harris b Russell 2, Fletcher c Kohler-Cadmore b Harrison 5, Franks b Russell 10. Wood not out 2, Extras 18. Total 117 all out (42 overs).
Bowling: Russell 13-3-35-4, Cessford 13-6-27-2, Whiles 8-1-23-2, Harrison 7-1-25-2, Choudhry 1-0-1-0.
FOW: 5, 8, 34, 45, 75, 84, 90, 94, 113, 117.
Worcestershire first innings: Kohler-Cadmore lbw Hutton 3, Hepburn b Hutton 4, Oliver c Behardien b Fletcher 0, Choudhry c Behardien b Fletcher 0, D'Oliveira b Fletcher 0, Harris not out 22, Mellor c Cross b Fletcher 3, Russell c Azad b Wood 8, Cessford not out 4. Extras 5. Total 49-7 (22.5 overs).
Bowling: Fletcher 4-5, Hutton 2-18, Wood 1-9. FOW: 6, 7, 7, 7, 7, 28, 44.
