WORCESTERSHIRE'S batsmen showed good form in reaching 342-6 off 85 overs on the first day of a two-day pre-season friendly against Sussex at Hove.

On a cold day, interrupted by one shower, all the front-line batsmen reached double figures on a good batting track.

Captain Ben Smith top scored with 76 off 89 balls, closely followed by Vikram Solanki with 74 off 93 balls. Other scorers were Stephen Peters with 55, David Leatherdale 54 not out, Anurag Singh 31, Graeme Hick 17 and Kadeer Ali with 15.

The Sussex front-line bowlers all struggled except for Robin Martin-Jenkins who took 3-69 off 15 overs. James Kirtley, Mark Davis and Kevin Innes each took a wicket.

The County's bowlers will take centre stage today including new overseas signing Nantie Hayward together with Mark Harrity and Chris Liptrot. Hayward arrived in the country yesterday for his first season in county cricket.

The inter-squad match scheduled for Saturday at New Road has been cancelled, but the inter-squad match arranged for Wednesday, April 16 at Ombersley Cricket Club will go ahead.