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Hick takes shine to new experience

Worcestershire beat Leicestershire by 2 runs

Graeme Hick dominates Worcestershire cricket as much as the cathedral enhances the splendour of New Road, and both were seen in a new light yesterday - Worcestershire's first experiment with a day-night fixture.

Hick played his role, a powerful if sometimes charmed innings of 110 not out, in early evening sunshine, and the city's historic landmark later offered a new photo opportunity as a backdrop to the floodlit arena.

Worcestershire and Hick benefited financially, a near full house of 4,000 swelling a benefit collection for the man of the moment, and their total of 250 for six was a good base from which to aim for leadership in the National League.

At first, it seemed that a slow pitch might strangle their attempt to overhaul Yorkshire on run-rate. Philip Weston was caught behind and even Hick and Tom Moody were becalmed as 10 overs yielded only 23.

When Moody did get the ball away to square leg, the boundary did not count. Umpire John Hampshire signalled 'dead ball', apparently because he was distracted by a bump from Chris Lewis in the bowler's delivery stride.

Moody essayed a loose drive at Vince Wells, but Vikram gave Worcestershire fresh purpose.

A top edge to slip, fingertipped by Wells, contributed to a stand of 92 before Solanki failed to clear Jon Dakin at long off. Hick kicked on to his century with 11 fours from 127 balls.