Daryl Mitchell and Jake Libby launched Worcestershire’s reply to Essex’s 561-8 with a superb century opening stand before three wickets fell to spinner Simon Harmer on day three of the LV=Insurance County Championship match at New Road.
The duo put 111 in untroubled fashion before Libby, captaining Worcestershire for the first time in place of the rested Joe Leach, went for a cut shot and was bowled on 41 by spinner Harmer.
Mitchell completed an excellent half century when he went back and cut Shane Snater for his eighth boundary. It came off 127 balls.
He became Harmer’s second victim when on 67 with Ryan ten Doeschate holding onto the chance at short leg with the total 132-2.
In the same over Gareth Roderick (0) pushed forward to Harmer and was bowled.
By lunch Worcestershire had moved onto 135-3 from 45 overs with Tom Fell (nine) and Brett D’Oliveira (0) the not out batsmen.
Worcestershire had resumed on 37-0 this morning under cloudy skies with Mitchell unbeaten on 17 and Libby 15 not out.
Libby had scored 180 not out and batted for 681 minutes in the drawn game at Chelmsford and again looked in good touch.
The County duo were watchful against the accurate attack of Sam Cook and Peter Siddle before gradually accelerating.
Mitchell and Libby came through the opening attack unscathed before Harmer and Snater were introduced into the attack.
Libby went down the wicket and lofted Harmer for a straight six shortly before his downfall to the same bowler.
Harmer had figures of 3-21 off 14 overs at lunch.
