Hick strikes a vintage drive through the covers en route to his century

Graeme Hick struck his 135th first-class century as Worcestershire took control against Warwickshire.

Skipper Vikram Solanki also scored a fine hundred, his first since June, with 98 of his 140 in boundaries.

Hick hit 15 fours before Solanki set the Bears 482, which has never been scored in a county match at Edgbaston.

Worcs were again without injured Simon Jones but Hick took two slip catches off Gareth Batty as the home side closed a distant 456 adrift at 26-3.

Kabir Ali expanded the nightwatchman's role with 44, his highest Championship score for three years, while putting on exactly 100 with his captain.

Solanki eventually edged to slip off Lee Daggett but Hick dominated a partnership of 96 in 22 overs with Steven Davies (37) before finally holing out to long-on.

The visitors are hopeful that paceman Jones will be fit to bowl on the final day, but Kabir gave them an early breakthrough when Ian Westwood steered a short one to point.

Solanki turned to spin in the fading light and former England slow bowler Batty provided him with the wickets of Darren Maddy and Jonathan Trott in his first 13 balls.