WORCESTERSHIRE’S bowlers were made to toil after a superb unbeaten century from James Hildreth helped Somerset to 349-5 on the opening day of the crucial LV= County Championship Division One clash at Taunton.

Hildreth will resume on 133 not out when play gets under way at 11am tomorrow with Worcestershire’s bowlers seeking quick wickets to wrap up Somerset’s first innings.

Jack Shantry and Joe Leach both picked up two wickets for Worcestershire after Daryl Mitchell had asked Somerset to bat in overcast conditions.

But Somerset batted consistently all down the order after the early loss of Johann Myburgh for a duck to move into a strong position.

Skipper Marcus Trescothick, Tom Cooper and Jim Allenby all scored half-centuries to supplement the efforts of Hildreth who registered his fourth first class ton of the campaign. He finished unbeaten on 133 from 182 balls with 21 fours.

It was Shantry who broke through in the fourth over by trapping Myburgh lbw with just eight runs on the board.

However, on a pitch that gave the Worcestershire seamers plenty of early encouragement, Trescothick and Cooper added 108 for the second wicket before the latter edged Joe Leach to Alex Gidman at 116-2.

Trescothick continued to bat with due care and attention.

Having passed 23,000 first -class runs during the morning session and 50 from 94 balls, shortly before lunch, Trescothick was eventually bowled by Brett D’Oliveira for 85, at 209-3.

It was not only an innings of significance in terms of the game, but one that rolled back the years.

The 39-year-old county captain took precious few chances throughout his 175- ball stay at the crease, but punished poor deliveries.

His stand with Hildreth was worth 93 in 24 overs.

Hildreth picked up where Trescothick left off and passed 13,000 first class runs in between lunch and tea.

His half-century came off 63 balls with nine fours and with Allenby providing solid support at the opposite end, Somerset edged ever closer to maximum batting points.

The fourth-wicket pair took 18 overs to post their 50 partnership, with Hildreth reaching three figures off the fifth ball of the 80th over. He faced 143 deliveries and hit 17 fours.

Worcestershire continued to bowl with purpose, but with Hildreth looking better and better by the over, Somerset continued to make hay.

Hildreth and Allenby registered the highest partnership of the day, with the latter becoming the fourth batsman to pass 50, with eight overs remaining.

Shantry eventually found the outside edge of Allenby’s bat at 331-4.

Nightwatchman Jack Leach was bowled by his namesake Joe for five but Hildreth remained unbeaten at the close.

Meanwhile, Moeen Ali was unbeaten on eight from 36 balls as England struggled to 107-8 against Australia on the second day of the final Ashes Test at The Oval.

Moeen had earlier taken 3-102 as Australia reached 481 in their first innings with ex- Worcestershire player Steve Smith hitting 143.