An inspirational moment of fielding brilliance from Matt Henry turned things Worcestershire’s way on the opening morning of the Specsavers County Championship match with Gloucestershire at the Brightside Ground, Bristol.
The hosts had progressed serenely to 37 after Worcestershire had elected to bowl when Cameron Bancroft, on 15, played a ball from Joe Leach to wide mid-on and called for a quick single.
With only one stump to aim at, Henry clipped the bails at the bowler’s end with the diving Bancroft just short of his ground.
Ian Cockbain was then lbw to Ed Barnard pushing forward for five with the total on 56 and one run later Gareth Roderick was well held by the diving Ross Whiteley at third slip off Jack Shantry.
Chris Dent batted through the morning session, with just one major scare on 40 when edging Henry just short of first slip.
The left-hander was unbeaten on 41 at the interval with Gloucestershire 89 for three off 32 overs.