Championship: Worcestershire collapse at Edgbaston

Varun Chopra hit an unbeaten 72 in Warwickshire's second innings

Fourteen wickets fell on day two at Edgbaston as Warwickshire took control against Worcestershire.

The hosts were all out for 264 as Joe Leach finished with career-best 6-73.

But England batsman Moeen Ali fell lbw for one, Chris Wright and Keith Barker claiming three wickets each as Worcestershire mustered only 149 in reply, a first-innings deficit of 115.

Skipper Varun Chopra's unbeaten 72 then guided Warwickshire to 105-2 at the close for a healthy lead of 220.

Resuming on 258-8, it took just three deliveries for the home side to lose their first wicket when Jeetan Patel pushed at a Charlie Morris delivery outside off stump and feathered the ball behind to Ben Cox.

Warwickshire's first innings was then brought to an end by Leach as wicketkeeper Cox took a brilliant catch high to his right to dismiss Wright.

Worcestershire's response began disastrously when Wright deflected a drive from Richard Oliver onto the stumps to run out non-striker Daryl Mitchell.

Moeen lasted just 14 balls before becoming Wright's first victim and Ian Westwood then caught Oliver at backward point before being reduced to 27-4 when Keith Barker bowled Alex Gidman for a seven-ball duck.

The visitors pushed on after lunch, a sixth-wicket stand of 44 between Cox and Tom Fell taking Worcestershire past the follow-on target of 115 before Rikki Clarke and Boyd Rankin swept up the tail.

Westwood, who was unlucky to be given out lbw in the first innings, fell early in Warwickshire's second innings when Jack Shantry had him caught behind.

William Porterfield was dropped on nought at third slip by Fell, who did not give him a second chance when he caught him for four off spinner Sachithra Senanayake.

However, Chopra's commanding innings ensured that Warwickshire ended the day firmly in charge.

Warwickshire bowling coach Alan Richardson:

"The guys bowled pretty well and have put us in a strong position, but I don't think they have fully hit their straps yet this season.

"They set themselves very high standards and while we have bowled very well in patches in this match, collectively the guys can get better.

"With that in mind, it is encouraging that we have taken full bowling points in all our games so far, especially as this is the first pitch we have played on which has given bowlers much assistance.

"It is great to have an attack with such good balance and depth. It allows us to spread the workload - Boyd Rankin has only bowled six overs in this match, so should be nice and fresh for Worcestershire's second innings."

Worcestershire director of cricket Steve Rhodes:

"I was really pleased with the two wickets early this morning and the momentum was really with us.

"But, from the run out of Daryl Mitchell, things just seemed to get worse for us. Our top order knew that the onus was on them to get through the new ball and blunt their attack but that didn't happen.

"Warwickshire bowled quite well, we shouldn't take that away from them, but it is difficult to recover from losing five wickets quickly.

"Joe Leach bowled tremendously well. He is such a wholehearted cricketer, really popular in the dressing room and we are really pleased for him. He gives his all whether in the field, with the ball or with the bat and he thoroughly deserved that sixth wicket for his career-best."