DARYL Mitchell made a magnificent unbeaten century as Worcestershire’s rain-hit County Championship game against Hampshire ended in an inevitable draw.
The Pears’ captain hit 172 not out before declaring on 350-7 when his side claimed their fourth batting bonus point.
Mitchell, 30, who told the Observer of his desire for Worcestershire to make big first innings scores this season, struck 23 fours in his 307-ball knock which lasted almost seven hours.
After resuming on 103-1, Mitchell extended his partnership with Moeen Ali to 154 before Ali was bowled by Liam Dawson for 69.
Teenage debutant, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, fell just three balls later, as he chipped Dawson into the hands of Jimmy Adams at mid-off after making just two.
After Alexei Kervezee (10) knicked behind, Ross Whiteley made a bright 23 before he lobbed a ball to Adams off the bowling of Sean Ervine.
Ben Cox (8) and Gareth Andrew (0) fell in quick succession, but Jack Shantry’s 23 off 24 balls guided Worcestershire to 350 as Mitchell stood firm at the other end.
With less than an hour to play until the two captains could shake hands at 5pm, Worcestershire opened the bowling with Matt Pardoe and Ali in an attempt to increase their bowling rate and avoid a points deduction.
Ali picked up the wicket of Michael Carberry (6) as Hampshire grinded their way to 27-1 at the finish.
Worcestershire begin their County Championship campaign at New Road on Sunday (April 13) against Kent. The game starts at 11am.