Ben Duckett hits half-century as Nottinghamshire lead Worcestershire by 195 runs

In a thrilling day of cricket at Trent Bridge, New signing Nathan Smith shone with both bat and ball as Worcestershire put themselves in a strong position against Nottinghamshire in the Vitality County Championship Division One.

Smith, the Kiwi all-rounder, made a crucial 58 runs as Worcestershire added 135 lower-order runs to their total, setting up a first-innings deficit of only 44. He then turned the game on its head with a remarkable spell of bowling, taking four wickets in just seven balls as Nottinghamshire collapsed to 151-7, giving Worcestershire a lead of 195.

England opener Ben Duckett was the standout performer for Nottinghamshire, hitting his first half-century in four innings with a well-made 63. However, he fell victim to Smith’s bowling prowess, becoming the first casualty of a triple-wicket maiden.

Nottinghamshire’s batting lineup crumbled under the pressure, losing six wickets for just 19 runs, with Smith wreaking havoc with his accurate bowling. The visitors fought back with a seventh-wicket partnership reaching 84, but slow left-armer Liam Patterson-White and Calvin Harrison ensured that the damage was limited.

As the game heads into the final day, Nottinghamshire will be hoping for rain to save them from a likely defeat. Smith’s impressive figures of 4-29 have put Worcestershire in a commanding position, and they will be looking to wrap up the victory on the final day.

Overall, it was a day of twists and turns at Trent Bridge, with Smith’s heroics putting Worcestershire on the brink of a memorable victory in their return to Division One of the County Championship.