WORCESTERSHIRE'S hopes of stepping up their promotion battle were hit by a splendid unbeaten century from Mike Hussey in the Frizzell County Championship Division Two match against Northamptonshire at New Road.

The free-scoring Australian opener was in dominant form to pile up 163no in his side's healthy total of 339-7 off 102.2 overs by the close last night.

For hero Hussey it was a particularly memorable day, becoming the first player in the country this season to complete 1,000 first-class runs.

He reached the magical milestone when he moved on to 70 by steering paceman Alamgir Sheriyar past third man to the boundary.

It was the ninth ton in his last 25 Championship matches and his second three-figure knock against the County this season.

In April he smacked 170 off the Worcestershire attack when the sides locked horns in a high-scoring draw at Northampton.

Yesterday, in front of the best Championship day crowd for three seasons at New Road -- 1,755 -- skipper Hussey confidently put the County to the sword after winning the toss and deciding to bat in glorious sunshine.

The decision, however, looked debatable when Northants slipped to 49-3 inside the first 19 overs.

Their wobbly start was sparked by Sheriyar's removal of David Paynter, who collected 520 runs in 12 Second XI Championship innings for the County in 2000.

Sheriyar also ousted Mal Loye before David Sales fell without scoring to paceman Matt Mason, who was drafted in for his first-class debut for Worcestershire in place of the rested Kabir Ali.

Northants' fortunes then began to improve thanks to a 78-run stand in 24 overs between Hussey and Tony Penberthy (41) beforethe partnership was eventually broken by Mason.

David Leatherdale was also called back into the side and helped the County's cause by bowling Gerard Brophy for 30 after he had put on 66 in 20 overs with Hussey.

Hussey then added a further 128 in 32 overs with Matthew Cassar who hit one six and nine fours in making 55.

Following Cassar and Tobin Bailey's departure for a 'duck', Hussey went on to have 29 fours off 278 balls to his credit before poor light ended play shortly before the scheduled close.