WORCESTERSHIRE skipper Vikram Solanki hit a fine 86 not out as he marshalled his side to a good position on the opening day of their crucial LV County Championship Division Two clash with Warwickshire.

On a day that legend Graeme Hick announced his retirement from county cricket, the New Road side will be happy with the position they were in when rain brought play to a premature end.

In the morning session, the hosts looked effortless as they got through to lunch at 107-1 with Stephen Moore falling four short of his half-century after mistiming a pull off Neil Carter to substitute fielder Tom Allin.

But then Daryl Mitchell, who scored a fine century in his last championship match at Essex, took up the mantle with Solanki.

The pair put on 129 runs for the second wicket before the opener feathered Carter to England wicketkeeper Tim Ambrose for 79.

The Warwickshire seamer was the pick of the visitors’ attack as he quickly sent Ben Smith (1) and the out-of-sorts Moeen Ali (0) packing.

Carter bowled an inspired spell, taking 3-4 in just nine balls and finished the day with 4-67.

Steven Davies again timed the ball beautifully until he was trapped leg before for 34 before Solanki and Gareth Batty (18no) steered the County to 282-5 at stumps.