PROMOTION-chasing Worcestershire were grateful for a half-century from Anurag Sin-gh on the opening day of their Frizzell County Championship Division Two match against Nottinghamshire at Kidderminster.

The County opener hit 57 as his side slid to 201 all out in 53.4 overs. When rain stopped play early last night Notts reply stood at 5-1 off 3.1 overs.

Singh's contribution took him to 931 first-class runs for the season and in striking distance of completing 1,000 for the second year on the trot.

Last summer, in his first campaign with Worcestershire, he notched 1,054.

He said: "I am very happy with the way things are going.

"It was in my mind that having scored 1,000 runs in my first full season, I had to follow it up with something similar this year.

"I am not quite there yet but if I don't get 1,000 now I will be very disappointed."

After winning the toss Worcestershire, who have lost their last five Championship matches at Chester Road, found Australian spinner Stuart MacGill their main problem. He marked his debut by claiming 5-63.

After Graeme Hick had completed 1,000 first-class runs for the season before being out for 13, the County were lifted by a third wicket stand of 74 between Singh and Ben Smith.

Smith's dismissal for 32, however, signalled a dramatic decline by Worcestershire who lost four wickets in 15 balls for just three runs.

Singh was among a number of quick-fire departures when he played back to a delivery which kept low from paceman Andrew Harris and was bowled off stump. He cracked ten fours.

At 124-6, the County were in urgent need of a steadying influence which was provided by a 61-run partnership spanning 13 overs between Shane Lee and Steve Rhodes. Lee, on his County Championship debut for Worcestershire, made 32 while Rhodes chipped in with 34.

Worcestershire reached 226-7, a lead of 260 on day three of their Second XI Championship clash against Warwickshire at Stratford yesterday. Phil Weston struck 12 fours in his 89.