Tom Lace puts visitors on top
Worcestershire are up against it after Tom Lace helped bat Derbyshire into a position of strength on day two of their County Championship clash at Kidderminster.
Lace, who is on loan for the season from Middlesex, reached three figures in the final over of the day with a cover drive for four off Daryl Mitchell as as Derbyshire closed on 272-6 – a lead of 267.
He initially rebuilt the innings after the loss of two early wickets via a century stand with Wayne Madsen and then found another able partner in Harvey Hosein.
Worcestershire bowled with considerable discipline and Derbyshire were made to work hard for their runs and take few liberties.
But the pitch had flattened out considerably with the moisture disappearing from the surface after 20 wickets had tumbled on the first day in conditions helpful for seam and swing bowling.
Ed Barnard was the pick of the Worcestershire attack with impressive figures of 2-32 from 18 overs.