IT'S spinning at Derby. Now we really know the world's weather patterns are in turmoil.

As at Southend against Essex, this required a radical alteration of the Worcestershire line-up to accommodate Matt Rawnsley as the second spinner.

Stephen Peters had to make way this time. David Leather-dale and Philip Weston have had the same experience for different reasons and all three will be disappointed to be missing out as the season approaches its climax.

Match winning contributions in vital games are what you remember and are remembered for.

But it has been Alamgir Sheriyar who has stepped forward on cue to take centre stage and lead the attack, even at spinning Derby.

Two five-fors in consecutive games against North Midlands opposition have seen Worcestershire dominating.

The rain forced a draw at Kidderminster against Notts, but Worcestershire clinched a win against Derby despite lower order resistance.

Notts could well now supercede Derby as rivals for promotion given that they have a game in hand and Stuart McGill is looking an increasingly valuable signing for the closing games on wearing wickets.

Nottinghamshire's first innings scorecard at Kidderminster made for pleasing reading and not just because of Sherry's success.

He took the first five and Matt Mason the last five with Paul Johnson at number six remaining undefeated.

The symmetry was pleasing as was the fact that Worcestershire bowlers were turning in match-winning performances. If hundreds win matches, so do five wicket hauls.

Sherry's second one in consecutive matches ensured that Derby were unable to take advantage of winning the toss on a pitch not expected to last.

Gareth Batty followed up with his second of the season to make victory likely.

These two are now fighting it out to be leading first-class wicket taker. Healthy competition among the bowlers; let's hope that Tom Moody can keep the batsmen in the same state of mind as they vie for limited places.

Another Worcestershire batsman catching the eye has been Kadeer Ali.

He has scored runs consistently in the Under 19 Tests with India, culminating in scores of 97 and 111 in the final game of the series.

He will go to Perth this winter to continue his cricketing education. If his improvement measures up to his cousin, Kabir's, then his difficult introduction to first-class cricket two years ago will soon become a distant memory and Worcestershire will be well blessed.

Meanwhile, the old hands offer continued sustenance. Steve Rhodes has nursed the tail to vital batting points in the last two games and, like Alec Stewart, has maintained his standards throughout a long season.

Spin rather than seam may have held sway at Derby, but it will be a bigger change when Bumpy is no longer fighting Worcestershire's cause to the last.

Tonight it's the Bears' den for a massive day-night game against Warwickshire and then a week to contemplate what will need to be done to ensure the hard work of this season is crowned by winning the National League and gaining promotion to the first division of the County Championship.