Essex closed day two at Colchester with a lead of 34 over Worcestershire at 10-0, but were rocked by news that Danish Kaneria had broken a finger.

The Pakistan leg-spinner ousted Daryl Mitchell with his first delivery but in his fifth over failed to hold on to a fierce drive by Ben Smith.

He now requires an operation and could miss the remainder of the season.

Smith hit 10 fours in his 74 for the visitors, and Gareth Batty (60) added two sixes to help them to 258 all out.

The day began with Ryan ten Doschate needing 13 more for his century with only last man Kaneria for company.

He added seven before Kaneria was bowled by Kabir Ali, giving the paceman a sixth wicket.

Arriving after Vikram Solanki and Stephen Moore had departed in successive overs with only 17 on the board, Smith revived the innings.

He fell to a fine reflex catch by Varun Chopra at short-leg.