SKIPPER Daryl Mitchell showed gritty determination after Worcestershire’s bowlers tested New Zealand’s batsmen at New Road.

In reply to the Black Caps’ 261-9 declared, Worcestershire moved on to 65-1 at the close with Mitchell (15 no) and Moeen Ali (20 no) resuming their partnership when play gets under way at 11am.

Richard Oliver, who hit a rapid 30, was Worcestershire’s only casualty.

Following a first-day wash-out, the County’s bowlers provided a searching examination for the tourists after skipper BJ Watling had elected to bat.

Only Hamish Rutherford (75) offered prolonged resistance before a ninth-wicket stand of 70 between Doug Bracewell (43) and Neil Wagner - the highest of the innings.

Charlie Morris, Ross White - ley and England’s Moeen all collected two wickets for the home side. Chris Russell, Jack Shantry and England Under-19 all-rounder Ed Barnard were the other wicket- takers for the County.

In-form keeper Ben Cox and Morris accounted for Tom Latham after he pushed forward when on seven out of 8-1.

Martin Guptill hooked Joe Leach for six and drove Shantry for four and six.

But Shantry had the last word as a slower ball deceived Guptill (35).

Whiteley removed Ross Taylor (12), while Rutherford reached his half-century off 82 balls before Morris struck for a second time when Watling was caught behind for two.

Russell dismissed Luke Ronchi before Rutherford, having made 75 off 140 balls, came down the wicket to Moeen and was stumped by Cox.

Craig (17) fell to a fine catch by Whiteley at short cover off Moeen for 17.

Moeen returned the compliment when Matt Henry (8) chipped a Whiteley delivery to mid on with New Zealand 191-8.

Bracewell’s 64-ball knock contained one six and six fours before he edged Barnard through to Cox which brough the declaration.