Leicestershire's bowlers found the going tough at New Road yesterday as they began their Championship match with Worcestershire.
To their credit, they stuck to the task and the home side only marginally took the day's honours, County attack refusing to let the batsmen run away with matters at any stage.
Rain in the late afternoon and early evening sliced the best part of 30 overs from the opening day and by stumps Worcestershire were on a steady 198-3 in the 67th over after winning the toss and batting on a pitch where run-scoring was far from easy - providing the bowlers found and maintained the right line and length.
Ollie Freckingham made an early breakthrough when he had Daryl Mitchell caught at slip and there was another wicket in the morning session when Moeen Ali was caught off Rob Taylor for 48, Michael Thornely accepting the chance on each occasion.
However, Leicestershire were only able to pick up one more wicket during the afternoon session, though they did keep a lid on the Worcestershire run-rate.
Matt Pardoe was the batsman dismissed, bowled by the off-spin of Jigar Naik after grinding his way to 59. .
