Half-centuries by captain Gareth Roderick and Graeme van Buuren underpinned Gloucestershire’s battling response to a whirlwind hundred by Worcestershire’s No 10 batsman, Jack Shantry, at New Road.

Shantry made a second intervention when bowling Chris Dent in a new-ball spell of one for 22 in 13 overs but the second pair completed their fifties in successive overs as the visitors reached tea at 114 for one, still 325 behind.

A second 50 in 14 balls helped Shantry to a run-a-ball 106, including 11 fours and six sixes, and when he was bowled by Liam Norwell, the last-wicket stand with Charlie Morris was worth 69. Morris did not score a run while facing 21 balls.

Norwell also dismissed Tom Kohler-Cadmore, caught behind for 169 after a six-hour stay which enabled Worcestershire to recover from a dire position at 34 for five after on the first morning.