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The England bowler, attempting to rebuild his career after a succession of serious knee injuries, took five for 74 to record his best figures of what is shaping up to be a remarkable season for the 2005 Ashes hero.

With the Pears having posted a miserable 151 all out yesterday, however, the home side took control of the match by reaching 356 all out - a total which included a 121-ball 133 from wicketkeeper James Pipe.

Graham Wagg also struck 56, and by stumps on day two Worcestershire were on a precarious 18 for one - still 187 runs in arrears.

In Division One, there was further good news for England's selectors as Steve Harmison found form for Durham in their battle to save the match against Hampshire at Chester-le-Street.

Shane Bond (five for 57) helped reduce the hosts to 202 all out in their first innings - a deficit of 37 - in spite of Michael Di Venuto's 56.

But despite progressing to 91 without loss in their second effort, Harmison (four for 72) rattled Hants to leave them on 186 for six by the close.

Leaders Somerset found themselves on the back foot at Taunton in their match with Yorkshire.

Tim Bresnan and Steven Patterson took three wickets apiece for the White Rose county, with Marcus Trescothick (51) and Craig Kieswetter (53 not out) faring best with the bat for Somerset as they reached 220 for nine.

Earlier Charl Willoughby took three of the last four wickets to fall as Yorkshire slipped from an overnight 339 for six to 372 all out.

Nottinghamshire responded well after Steven Croft's 122 led Lancashire to 384 all out in their first innings at Old Trafford.

Captain Luke Sutton weighed in with 43 and shared in a partnership of 121 runs for the sixth wicket with Croft - who was one of three wickets for Graeme Swann.

But an unbeaten 88-run stand between Adam Voges (32) and Mark Wagh (67) helped Notts to 148 for two in their response before bad light ended play prematurely.

Play finally got under way at Canterbury, with Kent - put into bat by Sussex - reaching 50 for one.

In Division Two, Warwickshire - seeking the win which would take them top of the table - are well-placed to claim a first-innings lead over Glamorgan in Cardiff.

The Bears turned their overnight 278 for four into 421 all out. Ian Westwood (176) led the way but contributions today from Ant Botha (62) and Tony Frost (45) helped the visitors' cause.

Despite 77 from Gareth Rees, Glamorgan were toiling on 183 for five at the close thanks largely to Joe Anyon's three for 56.

Middlesex will claim a massive lead over Essex at Lord's after progressing to 442 for four in response to the visitors' paltry 161 all out.

Owais Shah (144) was the star, but Billy Godleman (56), Ed Joyce (63) and Eoin Morgan (62no) all contributed significantly.

Marcus North missed out on a century by just four runs as Gloucestershire ran up a good score against Northamptonshire at Wantage Road.

Johan van der Wath bowled the Australian for 96 - but Steve Snell (78), Mark Hardinges (55) and Jon Lewis (51 off 49 balls) helped the hosts amass 475.

Northants were 135 for three in their response - Niall O'Brien striking 53.

Sporting Life / Eurosport