WORCESTERSHIRE were well in control after the first day of their three-day friendly match against Oxford UCCE in The Parks.

They bowled out the students for 231 in 86.5 overs in their first innings and were 37 without loss in reply off 11 overs at the close.

The County soon reduced their opponents to 79 for five with impressive Australian paceman Matt Mason taking 3-22 in a miserly 16-over stint.

But the students recovered thanks mainly to a sixth-wicket stand of 93 between wicketkeeper William How-ard, who struck 12 fours and a six in his 72 off only 59 balls, and Stuart Airey who made a patient 39.

Pace bowler Chris Liptrot also bowled well for Worcestershire to take 3-47, while debutant off-spinner Shaftab Khalid bagged 2-59.

Anurag Singh led the County's reply with four boundaries in an unbeaten 25, supported by Stephen Peters (12 not out).

Meanwhile, Worcestershire's close season overseas signing, Andrew Hall, failed to make the South African team that started the First Test against Bangladesh in Chittagong today.

After winning the toss, Bangladesh were 123-3 at the end of 48 overs.