Visitors win at New Road as Chopra posts first-class best of 228

Warwickshire made it two wins from two at the start of the new LV County Championship season with an 88-run triumph over Worcestershire. Set 278 in 75 overs, the hosts were bowled out for 199 with time to spare at New Road thanks to another fine display from Chris Woakes.

The talented seamer furthered his England claims by knocking over the top three in the order on his way to figures of 6-49, meaning he has now taken 16 first-class wickets already this season.

However it was Ant Botha who claimed the crucial scalp of Alexei Kervezee, who had threatened the Bears’ victory push with a fine 65 from 91 balls.

Gareth Andrew (26) supported Kervezee in a stand of 66, but Woakes then returned to claim three more victims in the space of 14 deliveries.

Warwickshire themselves had suffered a batting collapse in the morning session, having resumed on the final day of the Division One fixture on 411-3.

They lost five wickets in a hurry, Varun Chopra amongst them for a career-best 228, his second double ton already in 2011 – but Botha’s unbeaten 28 allowed skipper Jim Troughton to declare at 461-8.