Siddle hits top form for Essex

AUSTRALIAN quick Peter Siddle has signed off from his County Championship stint with Essex in style as the champion beat Worcestershire at New Road.

An inspired opening spell from the Victorian and the spin of Simon Harmer wrapped up a 32-run win.

Siddle dismissed Brett D’Oliveira, Tom Fell and firstinnings centurion Joe Clarke on his way to finishing with 5-37 from 18 overs.

Harmer, who picked up 72 wickets last season, worked his way through the middle and lower order as Worcestershire, chasing 215, was bowled out for 182. Travis Head, who’ll link up with the Australia ODI squad next month, offered prolonged resistance for the home side with his highest score of 62. But his efforts proved in vain on a wicket offering encouragement throughout.

Essex will now look to keep up its momentum after securing a second win, with New Zealand paceman Neil Wagner arriving to replace Siddle.

But Worcestershire is already facing an uphill battle to remain in the top flight after being promoted.

In division two, Western Australia’s Hilton Cartwright put his recent difficulties with the bat behind him by shining with the ball for Middlesex.

The all-rounder, who scored a 10-ball duck on Saturday — his third in eight innings — returned career-best figures of 4-33 as Gloucestershire was bowled out for 210 at Lord’s in response to the host’s 8-455 declared.