Thorp was unlucky, Daryl Mitchell survived two strong leg before appeals and a caught behind shout. Claydon was a little wayward but economical as Worcestershire laboured in conditions which gave the bowlers every opportunity to move the ball in the air.

There are few bowlers in first class cricket who enjoy bowling in them than Davies and he was the first bowler to make a breakthrough, Alexei Kervezee lazily prodding the ball into the reliable hand of Michael Di Venuto at second slip for just 6.

Plunkett, like Claydon, found it difficult to find a consistent line and length but he produced a lovely full delivery to have Mitchell caught behind by wicketkeeper Phil Mustard for 13.

That reduced Worcestershire to 26-2, before Ben Smith decided attack was the best form of defence with Moeen Ali to keep the scorers busy.

It was a brief counter-attack, however when Dale Benkenstein's solitary over before lunch saw Ali depart, caught superbly by Plunkett at third slip. Gleafully celebrated by the Durham team, it is funny how much joy a wicket for a part-time bowler brings.

Worcestershire were in a spot of bother at 60-3 at the end of the session.