Worcestershire recover after dreadful start

Vikram Solanki's century (113) and debutant James Pipe's half century (54) helped Worcestershire to move to 231 for 5 in 64 overs after being 8 for 3 against Warwickshire at New Road today.

James Pipe, reserve wicketkeeper to Steve Rhodes, was included as a specialist bat due to impressive performances in the second XI. He was quick to gain attention with a wide range of shots in his 64 ball innings. But it was Solanki, who took the centre stage with his second century of the season off 140 balls after being dropped on 81.

Worcestershire after winning the toss made a disastrous start, losing Philip Weston and Graeme Hick for ducks and Paul Pollard for five by the eighth over of the innings. Then Solanki and David Leatherdale stemmed the rot with a fourth wicket partnership of 67 runs in 23 overs.