Cricket

Nottinghamshire's hopes of a strong start to their Vitality County Championship campaign were dealt a blow on Sunday as Worcestershire's Nathan Smith inspired a dramatic collapse with the ball.Resuming on 305 for 6, Worcestershire added a crucial 135 runs to their overnight total, thanks in large part to Smith's impressive knock of 58. The Kiwi all-rounder's efforts helped the visitors post a competitive 355, giving them a slender lead of 44 runs.Nottinghamshire's response began brightly, with openers Haseeb Hameed and Ben Duckett putting on 81 for the first wicket. However, Smith's introduction into the attack turned the game on its head.In a devastating spell, Smith ripped through Nottinghamshire's top order, claiming four wickets in seven balls. Duckett (63) was the first to fall, followed by Joe Clarke, Matt Montgomery, and Jack Haynes.The collapse continued as Ben Slater and Calvin Harrison also departed cheaply, leaving Nottinghamshire reeling at 151 for 7 at the close of play. Smith's remarkable figures of 11-4-29-4 left the hosts facing an uphill battle to avoid defeat.Earlier in the day, Harrison had completed a maiden five-wicket haul for Nottinghamshire, dismissing Brett D'Oliveira, Josh Baker, and Joe Leach. However, Smith's heroics overshadowed Harrison's efforts, as Worcestershire took control of the match.With heavy rain forecast for Monday, Nottinghamshire will need to make quick progress in their second innings if they are to set a target for Worcestershire. The visitors, meanwhile, will be confident of securing a victory that would give them a strong start to the season.