Nottinghamshire Dominate Worcestershire on Day One of County Championship Clash

Nottinghamshire, opting to bat first on the same pitch that witnessed their dismal 80-run collapse against Essex, faced an early setback as Nathan Smith dismissed Haseeb Hameed and Ben Duckett within the first eight overs. However, Joe Clarke and Ben Slater steadied the innings, forging a 133-run partnership that propelled Nottinghamshire to a commanding position.

Clarke, who had scored a century in the previous match, continued his impressive form, reaching his second hundred in three innings. He unleashed a flurry of boundaries after lunch, including 41 runs in the first six overs, seizing the initiative for Nottinghamshire. Slater, too, contributed with a valuable 70 before falling to Adam Finch.

Worcestershire's bowlers struggled to contain Clarke's onslaught, with Josh Baker's left-arm spin eventually breaking the partnership. Clarke's dismissal for 105 gave Worcestershire a glimmer of hope, but Nottinghamshire remained in control.

Matt Montgomery departed for 11, but Lyndon James and Calvin Harrison steadied the innings, adding an unbroken 67 runs for the seventh wicket. James remained unbeaten on 39, while Harrison showed resilience with a resolute 25 off 82 deliveries.

Nottinghamshire's spinners, Liam Patterson-White and Harrison, could play a crucial role on the six-day-old pitch, which is expected to offer assistance to slow bowling.

Tags: #Nottinghamshire, #Worcestershire, #VitalityCountyChampionship, #JoeClarke, #BenSlater