Resistance from wicket-keeper Tony Frost plus the intervention of rain denied Worcestershire as the hosts salvaged a draw at Edgbaston.

The 32-year-old defied Worcs for 34 overs for his determined unbeaten 46.

Resuming on 26-3 in search of a distant 482, never attained in a county game at Edgbaston, Warwickshire nightwatchman Lee Daggett batted for almost an hour.

Kabir Ali took the seventh Bears wicket in his second over after lunch but Frost dug in and rain arrived at tea.

Frost had actually retired at the end of last season to take up a post on the Edgbaston groundstaff, but signed a new deal to cover for Tim Ambrose's international commitments.

Even though Simon Jones was unable to take the field for the third day running because of a stiff neck, the visitors were confident of securing their first Championship win at Edgbaston since 1993.

Spinner Gareth Batty bowled 24 consecutive overs from the Pavilion End and finally dislodged Daggett, who batted for 18 overs for his 17.

Australian newcomer Steve Magoffin quickly shifted Navdeep Poonia, who edged to third slip, while Michael Powell gave Graeme Hick a straightforward slip catch off Batty.

Luke Parker got a leading edge to gully as the Pears scented victory, but Frost was still there and light rain prevented any play in the final session.