WITH so many questions currently unanswered in regard to Shankar-gate, Worcestershire may soon be able to respond to another question ‘Will they lose all 16 LV= County Championship Division One matches this season?’ While the police continue to investigate Adrian Shankar over allegations that he provided the New Road club with false documents to secure himself a two-year deal with the club, Steve Rhodes’ side seem to be on the verge of ending their losing run in the top-flight.

But whether they can produce a finish today and claim a first division victory for the first time in four years remains to be seen.

Having lost day two of four to rain, Worcestershire resumed day three on 77-2 after dismissing Nottinghamshire for 223, the County got through to lunch at 169-3 with Matt Pardoe, who was put down twice, out for 39 edging Darren Pattinson to Andre Adams at second slip.

But Moeen Ali, who resumed the day on 10 not out, and Alexei Kervezee moved Worcestershire level with their visitors before a collapse of epic proportions.

The New Road side were 223-3 but were all out for 243, losing seven wickets in eight overs for only 20 runs.

Charlie Shreck was Worces-tershire’s main tormentor as he made good use of the new ball as he picked up the wickets of Neil Pinner, Ben Scott, Jack Shantry and Alan Richardson to add to the wicket of James Cameron to finish with figures of 5-53.

But the New Road side will be kicking themselves that they did not build on the position they had put themselves in.

At one stage there were talks about whether Worcestershire could finally win a match in top-flight, their last being in August 2007 against Yorkshire at Kidderminster, but it soon turned to whether they could hang on and avoid defeat.

But just like Nottinghamshire did with the second new ball, the County battled back when got their chance to bowl.

Damien Wright, before limping off with a calf injury, and then Alan Richardson ripped through the visitors’ top order.

The Australian all-rounder removed Riki Wessels in the third over as he flicked him to Pinner at square leg for one.

Richardson then dismissed Mark Wagh, Akhil Patel and Adam Voges to swing the pendulum back in their favour.

The loss of Wright, however, will be sorely felt. He is an integral part of their bowling attack and the County will be hoping the injury is not too serious when he has his scan today.

But Gareth Andrew came on to replace the 35-year-old and claimed the wicket of Steven Mullaney as Nottinghamshire closed on 104-5 with a half-century from Samit Patel creating a lead of 84 with five wickets in hand.