Nottinghamshire v Worcestershire: Ed Barnard puts visitors on top on day one

Ed Barnard took four of the first five Nottinghamshire wickets to fall

Second-placed Worcestershire had the better of a rain-shortened first day against Division Two leaders Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge.

No play was possible until 13:00 BST and Notts had reached 70-1 when rain briefly forced the players off for a second time in the afternoon session.

Ed Barnard (4-66) helped reduce the hosts to 127-6, with India's Cheteshwar Pujara (28) among his scalps.

Notts were 188-9 when further rain curtailed play at 16:55 BST.

If seamer Barnard takes the final wicket to fall, he will claim a five-wicket haul for the first time in his first-class career.

Notts captain Chris Read, playing in his final first-class match at Trent Bridge before he retires at the end of the season, made 26 before being caught and bowled by Josh Tongue.

Jake Libby top-scored with 34.

Nottinghamshire bowler Jake Ball: "It's a pretty typical Trent Bridge wicket this year and there's a lot in it for the bowlers, especially with the cloud cover and a bit of rain about. They bowled pretty well in patches.

"It's Chris Read's last home game - it has a been a real honour to play with him this long and it's nice to be out there with him for his last game at home. Obviously all the lads want to send him off with a win."

Worcestershire assistant coach Matt Mason: "For the first hour we weren't as good with the ball as we could have been, but this group hung in there and got their reward. At the end of the day we are pretty happy.

"We've still got one wicket to get and then, hopefully, a good solid day of batting to follow tomorrow."