WORCESTERSHIRE, having played a game more than their rivals, moved above Essex into the second and final promotion spot in the second division with a 192-run win over Leicestershire at New Road.

Kabir Ali, discarded by England, made a timely return to form with a match-clinching spell of five wickets in 28 balls as tea approached. Leicestershire had upset their hosts’ promotion push with a shock victory last month and for much of the final day of the return fixture they threatened to deny Vikram Solanki’s side again.

Half-centuries by John Maunders (74) and Hylton Ackerman (72) held up Worcestershire for much of the day, but Kabir’s burst — to set up his best return since being dropped by England earlier this summer after a torrid time against Sri Lanka — settled the contest. Leicestershire were dismissed for 258, Kabir taking five for 94.

Worcestershire’s final game is at Northampton, while Leicestershire can still have a decisive say as they entertain Essex.

Elsewhere in the second division, Northamptonshire beat Glamorgan by nine wickets. Monty Panesar took four second-innings wickets to add to five in the first as Glamorgan were bowled out for 248, Gareth Rees scoring a maiden championship 50.

Chris Schofield was once England’s bright young spin hope before he disappeared out of the first-class game altogether. Yesterday he continued his encouraging return with Surrey, making 95 to help his side bat out the final day for a draw against Gloucestershire — just. Surrey’s last pair had to hang on for 26 balls.

In the first division, Hampshire beat Durham by 174 runs at the Riverside. The home side now sit nervously one above the relegation places. Ben Harmison, younger brother of Steve, continued his promising run with the bat, making 75 to give Durham hope of holding out, but they lost the key wicket of captain Dale Benkenstein to Shane Warne for just six.

Lancashire moved out of the relegation places in the Pro40 League first division after beating Warwickshire by eight wickets.