ALEXEI Kervezee fell one short of a maiden first-class century but still helped put Worcestershire in a commanding position against Leicestershire on day three of the LV= County Championship clash at Grace Road.

The 20-year-old Holland international hit a superb 99 off 127 balls as Worcestershire declared on 277-9 to set Leicestershire a victory target of 405.

By the close, Leicestershire had reached 107-1 with Will Jefferson still there on 60 to give the Foxes hope of achieving what would be a record-breaking run-chase for the club.

But the day was illuminated by Kervezee’s innings. It contained 13 sweetly-struck boundaries and showed why he is so highly regarded at New Road.

Having played for Holland as a teenager, Kervezee has a limited-overs century to his name when he scored an unbeaten 121 against Denmark in a World Cup qualifier in South Africa last year.

But he has now twice heartbreakingly just missed out on his maiden first-class hundred, having made 98 for Holland against Canada three years ago.

He looked set to reach the landmark at Grace Road when he struck a magnificent cover drive to the boundary to move on to 99.

But then, in the same over from Nathan Buck, Kervezee was trapped lbw as he tried to work the ball away on the leg side and pick up a single.

He could not hide his disappointment as he walked back to the pavilion although, by then, he had done more than enough to put Worcestershire into a strong position.

The visitors did not have the best of starts, with Daryl Mitchell lbw to Buck without addition to the overnight 62-2.

But, after that, the first hour produced 62 runs helped by 11 boundaries — seven of them to Kervezee.

A lengthy stoppage for bad light and drizzle before lunch checked Worcestershire’s momentum and then Australian Andrew McDonald, Leicestershire’s overseas player, helped himself to his first five-wicket haul for the club.

Former Leicestershire batsman Ben Smith survived the McDonald onslaught, reaching the 100th half-century of his career off 100 balls, including three fours, to finish with an unbeaten 51.

Leicestershire had 35 overs to negotiate before the close and made a solid start until Matthew Boyce was caught behind with the score at 23.

Jefferson, however, looked in good touch and reached his 50 off 86 balls.