Worcestershire v Lancashire: Simon Katich hits 86-ball ton

Simon Katich hit a century off just 86 balls as Lancashire put themselves in a strong position against Worcestershire.

The Australian blasted four sixes and 14 fours in an unbeaten 104 as he passed 1,000 County Championship runs for the season.

Luke Reece (59) and Ashwell Prince (52) also chipped in as Alan Richardson and Graeme Cessford both took two wickets.

Lancashire ended the day on 271-5 as rain brought an early close just after tea.

Resuming on 0-0, Graeme Cessford dismissed nightwatchman Glenn Chapple for nought to the fourth ball of the day.

Paul Horton fell to Moeen Ali for 30 before Richardson picked up the wicket of Reece, who struck 11 fours in his half century.

Katich and Prince then shared a partnership of 92 before Prince became Cessford's second victim when he was caught by Thilan Samaraweera.

After Prince's dismissal Katich began to dominate the bowling attack as Lancashire moved within 16 of Worcestershire's first-innings total.

VIEW FROM COMMENTARY BOX

BBC Hereford & Worcester's Dave Bradley:

"Katich's innings was brutal as he set about the less experienced Worcestershire bowlers, only the veteran Richardson able to apply the break.

"Both Prince and Reece looked set for big scores, and it was something of a surprise when they got out on a very good pitch.

"Worcestershire's attack kept going but not for the first time Richardson lacked backing, and they will have to get Katich out early or could be facing a big deficit."

Match scorecard