Worcestershire dominate opening day against Leeds-Bradford MCCU at Weetwood

The 31-year-old finished with figures of 11-4-26-2 as Leeds-Bradford were bowled out for 162 in 58.2 overs after being put in to bat in the three-day match.

Worcestershire then reached 156-2 from 35 overs - just six run behind the hosts - before the close of play.

Tom Fell made 64 for Worcestershire before he was dismissed and opener Brett D’Oliveira finished the day unbeaten on 61.

It was Hastings’ first action in the middle with the ball for four months since needing patella tendon surgery. He delivered two spells.

His opening burst as a second change bowler brought him the wicket of Steve Bullen - caught at second slip by skipper Daryl Mitchell - and figures of 6-4-8-1.

Hastings returned for a second stint after lunch and this time he accounted for Craig Wallace, caught behind by keeper Ben Cox.

The County were able to select five seamers even with the exclusion of Ed Barnard and they kept a tight grip on proceedings in what is a non first-class fixture.

Home wickets fell at regular intervals after Josh Tongue had yorked Ben Shoare for one in the second over of the match.

The students reached lunch on 85-3 but were quickly reduced to 113-7 in an eight-over spell in the afternoon session.

Jack Shantry followed up his good performance earlier this week against Gloucestershire at RGS Worcester by finishing with 3-36.

There was also two wickets for fit-again quick bowler Josh Tongue (2-22).

Charlie Morris (1-42) and D’Oliveira (1-0) were the other wicket-takers as the County impressed with the ball. New captain Joe Leach finished wicketless, returning 0-29 from 12 overs.

When Worcestershire launched their reply, former captain Mitchell was dismissed for seven with 20 on the board.

But D’Oliveira and Tom Fell settled down. Fell was eventually dismissed with 138 on the board in the 30th over. Joe Clarke joined D’Oliveira at the crease and was eight not out at the close.