Smokin'!

At 157-7 it looked like another case of deja-vu as the top order caved in once again.

By the close of play we are all sitting feeling rather smug having managed a first innings lead of 200, thanks largely to a 71-ball century from James Pipe (pictured) on his return from injury. He will have enjoyed that against his old county for whom he rarely batted higher than nine or ten.

The Yorkshireman is a key part of this side and has been badly missed over the past few weeks. He received valuable support from Graham Wagg, who is on fire at the moment and the tail, which once again wagged very well.

Rikki Clarke's lack of runs is a cause for some concern, but Wavell appears to have been unlucky today in being given out caught from a half-shouted appeal when it came off his sweater. There will be better days ahead for both, and if Wavell gets the sun on his back he will be good entertainment.

There is still a lot to do and Worcester surely cannot fold as easily again. If Solanki, Hick, Smith et al fire then we could still be left chasing an awkward 180-200 in the last innings, but we have done very well so far in this match. I suspect that Jake Needham may have a long bowl in the next innings but would be more than happy if the opening bowlers run through them tomorrow.

It's funny though. Last week after a poor result against Middlesex when missing players we were, according to some "fans" a worse side than ever and "rubbish". They're not making any noises tonight for some reason. I didn't join the chorus of condemnation last week and I'll not get carried away and claim we are world-beaters now. But I will reiterate that we are an embryonic side of some quality who will continue to mix good and bad days until John Morris gets the players that he wants. A few more days like this one though and they'll all want to join Animal's magic side!