Tuffey made an early breakthough with two wickets in four balls

Captain Ben Smith used his experience in New Zealand to lead Worcestershire's challenge against the tourists.

Smith, who plays Kiwi domestic cricket, hit a brisk 78 not out to take the hosts to 163-3 on day one at New Road.

The hosts chose to bat after a rain-ruined morning but were in early trouble at 29-2 after Daryl Tuffey took two wickets in four balls.

Smith was the constant in stands of 69 with Graeme Hick (36) and an unbeaten 65 with Kadeer Ali, who was 26 not out.

Strike bowler Shane Bond, who has just returned from a back injury, was used sparingly after conceding 24 runs five overs with the new ball.

But Tuffey make the breakthrough as Moore (18) drove rashly and edged behind and Stephen Peters, on nine, popped up a simple catch to mid-wicket.

Daniel Vettori removed Hick for 36 when Bond tumbled backwards to hold an overhead chance at mid-off.

But England A all-rounder Ali drove the left-arm spinner for six in his first appearance of the season after recovering from a fractured elbow.

Worcestershire: S D Peters, S C Moore, G A Hick, A J Hall B F Smith (Capt), Kadeer Ali, D J Pipe (Wkt), S J Rhodes, M S Mason M N Malik, M A Harrity.