AZHAR Ali scored a fabulous double century as he and Jack Haynes dominated day two of the County Championship match with Leicestershire.

The pair put on a club record partnership of any wicket against the Foxes of 280 runs - their third consecutive century stand as a pair - as Worcestershire opened up a healthy lead heading into day three.

Pakistani international batsman Azhar has been in fine fettle of late, this being his fourth consecutive half-century but unlike the previous three innings', this time he went on to reach a well deserved ton off 159 deliveries.

Haynes also cashed in on his brilliant form with a third century in as many games before eventually falling to Wiaan Mulder LBW but Azhar finished the day unbeaten on 201.

Having established a 11-run lead at the end of day one, Azhar and Haynes kicked on after a delayed start due to rain at New Road on Friday.

The latter got to his fifty soon afterwards as the Leicestershire bowlers struggled to make inroads.

The pair refused to be beaten and both progressed quickly towards the three figure mark.

Azhar had reached this stage in his last few innings' but would not be denied this time as he played an Ed Barnes delivery for a single and cut a relieved figure as he held his bat aloft to the loud cheers from the stands.

Haynes soon followed suit with his ton from 174 balls as the partnership grew to 200 and as the game paused for tea, Worcestershire had now built a lead of 159.

The new ball was taken after tea and a terrific knock from Haynes ended shortly after as he was trapped LBW by Mulder.

But it did not stop Azhar at the other end as the experienced batsman continued to show his class in reaching and moving beyond 150.

Captain Brett D'Oliveira was moving along nicely at the other end as Worcestershire hit the 400 mark and a lead of 255.

Azhar raced to his double century before the close of play, including a huge six, before D'Oliveira reached his half century as Worcestershire closed on 456/3, a lead of 308.