WORCESTERSHIRE made an encouraging start to their rain-affected LV= County Championship Division Two season-opener at Hampshire.

Just 8.5 overs were possible due to regular showers at the Ageas Bowl, but the New Road outfit still managed to claim three home scalps.

Paceman Chris Russell struck in the game’s first over, trapping England Ashes tourist Michael Carberry lbw with the sixth ball of the day.

Fellow opener Charlie Morris soon claimed his first Championship wicket when he nipped one back to bowl Liam Dawson for two.

Russell struck again to have James Vince caught by skipper Daryl Mitchell for a two-ball duck, but Jimmy Adams (32 not out) and Will Smith were able to reach 37-3 before the rain returned and curtailed play for the day.