Essex's desperately-thin bowling reserves were again shown up as Worcestershire recovered from 130-5 to post a good score at New Road.

It was a day when the balance of power swung twice, but ended up favouring the home side thanks to a 71-run eight-wicket partnership between Andy Bichel (65) and Kabir Ali (40).

At 111-1 on the stroke of lunch, Worcestershire looked in fine shape.

But then John Stephenson bowled Anurag Singh for 60 and Ronnie Irani trapped Graeme Hick lbw for 30.

Vikram Solanki and David Leatherdale then recorded ducks and suddenly Essex had the initiative at 130-5.

But Gareth Batty helped Ben Smith (61) put on a crucial 85, before Bichel and Ali continued the run-gathering in style.

Stephenson was Essex's most successful bowler with three wickets.

But it was Joe Grant who finally wrapped up the Worcestershire innings just before stumps when Bichel's innings - which included three sixes and seven fours - came to an end.