Hick's confident innings put the county side in front

Former England batsman Graeme Hick hit an unbeaten double century as Worcestershire's tour match against New Zealand headed for a draw.

Home skipper Ben Smith declared on 318-6 with Hick 204 not out from 204 balls, with 27 fours and eight sixes.

The hosts recovered from 0-1 overnight as three batsmen shared half-century partnership with the former skipper.

The Black Caps reached 77-1 in 23 overs, with Scott Styris 44 not out after Michael Papps fell for six.

Captain Stephen Fleming is expected to replace Papps at the top of the order when the first Test starts at Lord's on 20 May.

Before then, New Zealand play a four-day match against Kent, beginning on Thursday.

They are likely to use that match to decide which of opening bowlers Chris Martin and Shane Bond to include for the Test.

Both men suffered at Hick's hands, conceding 77 runs each.

Bond had the solitary wicket of opener Stephen Peters on day three as compensation.

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.