Worcestershire made a promising start after winning the toss and deciding to bat first on the opening day of their County Championship Division Two match against promotion candidates Hampshire at New Road today.

Philip Weston and Anurag Singh launched the County's innings against the pace pairing of James Schofield and Alex Morris.

Both batsmen got of the mark with boundaries, with nine runs coming off the first over bowled by 22-year-old Schofield who previously played for Worcestershire Cricket Board and the county's Club and Ground XI.

Weston was first to move into double figure while Singh soon followed him by straight-driving Morris to the rails.

Singh survived a loud appeal for lbw off Morris while on 16 before cracking the next delivery for four.

Paul Pollard was back in the county's line up after suffering a broken toe while Chris Liptrot retained his place ahead of Stuart Lampitt who has been dogged by a knee injury.

Hants were without injured pace bowlers Chris Tremlett (shin) and Alan Mullally (side strain), but skipper Robin Smith was able to welcome back opener Derek Kenway after injury.