Mark Wagh and David Hemp gave Warwickshire hope of reaching a target of 375 to avoid following on after a mammoth total of 524 by Worcestershire at Edgbaston.

They put on 120 for the third wicket until Wagh fell for 83 and Hemp went on to make an unbeaten 89 as they cut their overall deficit to 301 by reaching 223 for 4 at the close.

Worcestershire may have scented a chance to press for an emphatic victory when the home side faltered at 30 for 2. Michael Powell was caught at slip - a 50th Championship wicket of the season for Alamgir Sheriyar - and Ian Bell was lbw to Chris Liptrot.

But Wagh timed his shots well from the outset in a 56-ball half-century and hit 11 fours in all before a good delivery from Litptrot moved away for a diving catch by wicket-keeper Steve Rhodes.

Any danger of a further slump was avoided as Hemp put on 65 with Jim Troughton, a left-hander whose thespian grandfather, Patrick, played Doctor Who. The 22-year-old was eventually caught at point off Sheriyar after taking a good foothold on his Championship debut.

Worcestershire had reached their highest Championship total for two years despite losing their overnight batsmen in three balls - including a wide - from South African-born Neil Carter.

Andy Bichel was caught from a top-edge after making 42 in a stand of 90 and Hick, who added only five runs to reach 201 - his 12th double century - hoisted a catch to long leg.

The left-arm Carter took one more wicket for a Championship-best 5 for 78 and Steve Rhodes was unbeaten with 28 when Worcestershire finally capitulated following a short break for rain.

© CricInfo Ltd.