WORCESTERSHIRE skipper Vikram Solanki was back to his brilliant best as he stroked a magnificent double century against Gloucestershire at Bristol.

He was given tremendous support by teenager Steven Davies who also raced to a brilliant century that contained 16 fours.

After winning the toss, the County made best use of a good batting track to take command in the County Championship Division Two clash.

Once again Australian opener Phil Jaques gave Worcestershire a flying start and figured in a run-a-minute opening partnership of 57 with Stephen Moore. The latter was first to go when he trapped leg before for 14 by seamer Michael Hardinges.

Jaques continued to dominate the Gloucestershire attack, hitting eight fours, until he was next out caught behind off Hardinges with score on 87, having batted beautifully for his 57.

Eight runs later, the home side saw a glimmer of light when Ben Smith became Hardinges third victim when he too was trapped lbw for only five.

But Solanki soon had Worcestershire back in the driving seat. The England international figured in a fourth-wicket stand of 79 with Graeme Hick in which the County veteran scored 20 before being caught off the bowling of Australian all-rounder Ian Harvey.

Davies then came to crease and the pair proceeded to take the Gloucestershire bowling attack apart. The home side tried no less than seven bowlers as they tried to prize the partnership apart.

Solanki was first to his century and went on reach 201 not out by the close having blasted 26 fours and two sixes off 259 balls.

Davies was unbeaten on 129 as Worcestershire reached 459-4.