Derby wilt to Hick century

6:49pm Wednesday 6th August 2008

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AN inspired innings from Graeme Hick has put LVCC Division Two leaders Worcestershire into a strong position after the first day of their match with Derbyshire at New Road.

The veteran rolled back the years to blitz a fine 149, his highest score in more than two years, as the County declared on 450-8 in the 82nd over.

Poor bowling from a disappointing Derbyshire attack on a juicy wicket allowed Worcestershire to race away.

But it looked like it was going to be a difficult day for the table-toppers when they lost opener Daryl Mitchell to the fourth ball of the day.

Then in-form Vikram Solanki hit a quick-fire half-century to make him the first man to 1,000 County Championship runs this season.

With the hosts on 85-3 after an entertaining morning, 36-year-old Ben Smith and 42-year-old Hick put on a golden partnership.

Smith was in fine fettle, looking the more assured of the two, but it was Hick’s positive manner that saw Worcestershire to 369-4 at the tea break.

“We have an attacking line-up and, if the opposition are going to bowl loosely, then we are going to punish them,” Hick said.

“But you have to go out there and play each ball on its merit.

“I tried to bat a little bit more positively than I have done of late, as recently I have got myself out once or twice not really playing in the attacking manner I normally would.

“That was my mindset from the start and I chanced my arm a little and it paid off for me.”

Hick’s second century of the season — the 136th of his career and his 50th Worcestershire 100 at New Road —was an innings that we have come to expect from him.

Facing 151 balls, smashing 18 fours and two sixes, Hick undoubtedly shone.

However, County captain Solanki’s fine form continued, hitting a 44-ball 50, while Smith, still searching for his first century in two years, was near faultless before dragging Graham Wagg on to his stumps as he went for 76.

The County looked as if they were going to post another huge total like they did in Cheltenham last week, but when Simon Jones fell to make it 450-8, Solanki decided that it was time to have a crack at the visitors.

Despite flying past the edge on numerous occasions in the 11 overs that remained, without the injured Kabir Ali (back), Worcestershire could not get a wicket by the close and Derbyshire finished the day on 27-0.