Another excellent day in Worcestershire colours saw Oliver Hannon-Dalby lead the way for the Pears, returning figures of 3-27, as the loanee helped his side take charge on day one against Kent.
The veteran bowler continued his fine early season form, adapting to conditions at New Road immediately, playing a key role in Worcestershire’s bowling contingent who shone once again to dismiss Kent for under 200 on the opening day of the Rothesay County Championship game of the season.
Despite having lost the toss and being asked to field first in an arguably perfect batting environment, Worcestershire’s seam attack – bolstered by the arrival of Beyers Swanepoel – bowled with discipline to remove their opponents before Tea on day one.
Hannon-Dalby, shared his delight with his teammates’ efforts in the sunshine at New Road.
“We are really happy with that, and despite the fact there has been a lot of chat about the pitches, that is a really good cricket pitch for me and to bowl them out for 200 is something we are really happy about.
“There is a bit in there with the ball early on and when it was hard up the top it nibbled a bit, but when it got soft and the sun came out I actually thought it got quite hard work if I am being totally honest with you, so bowling them out for that score we are really happy with.
“Bowling is about bowling partnerships, and we all know that if I am nice and dry and hold up an end and the wickets are falling at the other then that is absolutely fine with me. It came out nicely for me today, which I am happy about after a bit of a rusty start at Derbyshire then bowling a bit more nicely at Lords.
“I am just happy to be playing and happy to be contributing.”
Despite an impressive bowling display against a dangerous Kent batting line-up, three dropped catches threatened to prove costly as two lower order stands saw the visitors drag their way up towards 200, having at one stage been 99-7.
Unphased, opening batter Dan Lategan strode to the middle and wasted no time getting started in reply for his side, rocketing 25 from just 19 deliveries as he and Jake Libby put on 32 inside the first five overs of the chase.
With the latter going on to make a classy half century before the close, Worcestershire ended the day in emphatic style at 94-1, very much in the box seat heading into day two.
Whilst Libby (52*) and Kashif (15*) will resume the morning looking to pick up where they left off, Hannon-Dalby urged his side to stick to their task and drive home the advantage.
“Hopefully I do very little tomorrow. The lads made an excellent start tonight so lets hope that continues.
“The pitch looks like it might get a little slower and flatter as it goes on, so I would be very happy to see our lads grind out a lot of runs over a long period of time.
“I am sure they (Kent) will come all guns blazing for the first half-hour/hour tomorrow, so we have to nullify that threat but I think there are runs to be had out there if we want them.”
