Warwickshire and Worcestershire played out a thrilling draw in their Vitality County Championship clash at Visit Worcestershire New Road, with Will Rhodes’ third century of the season proving crucial for the Bears.
Warwickshire, following on after being bowled out for 128 in their first innings, found themselves eight runs behind with three wickets down at the start of the final day. However, Rhodes, who is leaving Warwickshire for Durham at the end of the season, showed his class with an unbeaten 121 to steer his side to safety.
Rhodes, who has now scored 994 runs in first-class cricket this season, received excellent support from 18-year-old Hamza Shaikh (33 not out), who is enjoying a breakthrough season. The pair added an unbroken 83 as Warwickshire batted through the possible play on the fourth day without losing a wicket.
Worcestershire, despite their lengthy injury list, can reflect on a positive season that has virtually guaranteed them another campaign of Division One cricket. Away triumphs over Durham and Essex, after being firmly behind the eight-ball in both games, were evidence of their fighting spirit and belief.
The result leaves Worcestershire and Warwickshire 40 and 36 points respectively ahead of second-from-bottom Lancashire, with both sides strongly placed to ensure another season of top-flight cricket.
