MODEST Kabir Ali put yesterday's career-best bowling performance down to 'one of those lucky days' as Worcestershire consolidated their position at the top of the Frizzell County Championship division two.

Paceman Kabir grabbed 8-58 to help rip out Dominic Cork's bottom-placed strugglers for just 96 and give the County an innings and 42-runs victory over Derbyshire at New Road..

It is the best first-class return by any bowler in the country so far this season and came in his comeback match for the County after being on one-day duty for England.

He said: "It was a very good career-best and I batted quite well earlier in the game. It was one of those lucky days.

"I was lacking a bit of match practice. I bowled quite a lot in the nets but it's always different to bowling in the middle."

Kabir's efforts came in for praise from New Road director of cricket Tom Moody, who said: "He'd been away from us for a few weeks and he's come back with a vengeance.

"He bowled very well. Obviously, he's not had a lot of match practice over the last month and you could see that in the first innings when he just started to find his rhythm.

Thrilled

"In the second innings he was back to his very best. He got late swing, bowled with good pace and got it in good areas. We are all thrilled for him."

Moody said Kabir showed 'a lot of maturity and character' and felt that one day the 22-year-old could break into the England Test squad.

"He's improving all the time and he's got age on his side. As long as he keeps himself in the shop window by taking wickets he's going to put the selectors in a position where they can't help but pick him."

Derbyshire resumed yesterday 87 runs behind on 51-5 and with Kabir quickly getting into full flow the County completed their demolition job in 64 minutes.

They were held up briefly by a quick-fire 30 by Lian Wharton who cracked one six and five fours off 23 balls.

It proved a painful innings for Kadeer Ali and Matt Mason who collided while going for a catch when the Derbyshire last man was on 29. Mason suffered a bruised leg while Kadeer had a number of teeth loosened. Both, however, are expected to make swift recoveries.

For unbeaten Worcestershire it was their fifth Championship win of the season although they were deducted a quarter of a point for a slow over rate.