CHRIS Lewis, now 30, returned to the county of his youth after a seven-year absence and spearheaded Leicestershire's win with a vintage all-round performance.

He hit 33 off 36 balls including a nonchalant flick for six over mid-wicket and then claimed two Worcestershire wickets in seven deliveries with the new ball.

Lewis has come back on a five-year contract and the whisper is that he could become the next club captain when James Whitaker decides to step down.

Ever a controversial figure, he was greeted with only muted applause compared to the reception accorded another returnee, Phil Simmons, who had hit a brisk 60 off only 54 balls, including two sixes.

Lewis was dropped when on two, then dispensed with his helmet and was finally run out by a direct throw from Graeme Hick at point when he hesitated too long before returning to the crease.

With Alan Mullally bowling six tight overs for six runs, Leicestershire put a tight clamp on Worcestershire's progress at the start. The visitors were 18 for two after eight overs, Lewis taking a fine low caught and bowled to dismiss Vikram Solanki and then getting Hick caught low at mid-off from a slower delivery in his next over.

But Simmons, unable to find his line, went for 34 in three overs before making amends in his second spell when he bowled Stuart Lampitt for 39, Worcestershire's equal top scorer with Gavin Haynes. Then Mullally came back to polish off the tail.