Rhodes runs wild but Pears battle back!

WARWICKSHIRE captain Will Rhodes scored his maiden double century before Worcestershire openers Daryl Mitchell and Jake Libby launched a powerful response on day two of the Bob Willis Trophy encounter at New Road.

Rhodes extended his overnight 142 not out – already a career best – to 207 before he became one of five victims of Worcestershire paceman Charlie Morris.

The 25-year-old helped the Bears secure three batting points as they reached 355 for nine declared shortly after lunch.

Rhodes received excellent support from England Under-19 player Dan Mousley (47) during a fourth-wicket stand of 128 in 40 overs.

Mitchell would have admired the powers of concentration shown by Rhodes, who batted for more than eight hours, as someone renowned himself for occupying the crease.

He demonstrated for the umpteenth time the same sort of qualities as he and Libby posted a century partnership in 39 overs.

By the close Mitchell had moved on to an unbeaten 85, from 183 balls, and Libby 80 not out, from 167 deliveries.

On a sluggish, unresponsive pitch, offering little encouragement to the bowlers, it is hard to imagine anything but a draw, particularly with an uncertain weather forecast on the horizon.

Rhodes said: “You’ve got to be disciplined as bowlers on this wicket. It is a very slow wicket and every wicket is earned.

“The two lads (Daryl Mitchell and Jake Libby) played very well so getting some wickets tomorrow is the key but we are going to have to work hard.

“I felt really good at the crease and it is nice personally to go on and get a big score. I’ve had three 40s in the past four innings so to actually kick on and get a big score for the team was very pleasing and puts us in a relatively good situation.

“It is always nice to contribute and when you get appointed as captain you want your own form to be in place first.

“It is not an easy wicket to put the foot down on so for me and Mous (Dan Mousley) it was all about saving wickets for the last 10-15 overs for the guys to go big.

“Unfortunately we didn’t go as big as we would have hoped but we are learning to come to terms with this 120 over rule.”