KABIR Ali was Worcestershire's hero against Derbyshire at New Road yesterday after being given his father's blessing to miss a family funeral.

The England one-day international hit a crucial 68 and took three wickets to help his table-topping side to close on a comprehensive Frizzell County Championship division two victory.

Kabir was due to have attended the funeral of his two-week-old nephew, but was given permission by his father Shabir to continue playing and pay his respects -- along with his cousin and team-mate Kadeer -- at the close of play.

Another key performer for the County was Steve Rhodes, who shared a century stand with Kabir, and the New Road wicketkeeper paid tribute to the young Worcestershire star.

He said: "When he was running short on time to get to the funeral he said 'no I'm going to stay, I've spoken to my dad'. I said are you sure about it and he said yes. I said what do you think your sister would think and he said she'd be fine.

"Family is more important than your cricket but if there is any consolation for Kabir he had a terrific day with 60-odd runs and a burst of three wickets. It has been a tribute to him.

"He's very much a potential star of the future and he's a lovely bloke to have around the dressing room. He's very wholehearted, uncomplicated in a lot of respects, a good listener and easy to get on with."

Kabir's efforts with both bat and ball enabled Worcestershire to close on their fifth successive Championship win over Derbyshire who are languishing at the foot of the table.

When rain ended play early last night skipper Dominic Cork's strugglers were trailing by 111 runs with six second innings wickets left.

Worcestershire began the day on 155-6 off 57 overs in reply to Derbyshire's disappointing 163. They were eventually all out for 301 with Rhodes undefeated on 81. It was his highest score of the season and contained ten fours.

He resumed on 26 and put on 86 in 33 overs with Gareth Batty who took his overnight 26 to 37. Rhodes added another 104 in 28 overs with Kabir who was finally eighth out after collecting 11 fours off 89 balls.

He then turned his attention to the Derbyshire batsmen to finish the day with figures of 3-18 in six overs. Kabir's blast, coupled with a wicket for Nantie Hayward, left the visitors in deep trouble on 27-4.

Worcestershire's victory charge was put on hold when rain delayed today's start.