WORCESTERSHIRE have been promoted to Specsavers County Championship Division One after Northamptonshire were bowled out for 202 by Leicestershire.

It meant Northants could not get enough bonus points to catch the table-topping County in Division Two.

Nottinghamshire only need eight points in their game at Sussex to join Worcestershire in Division One next season with the battle for the title still to be decided.

After making 335 all out at home to Durham, Worcestershire have reduced the visitors to 157-6.

Worcestershire chairman Stephen Taylor said:”It’s been a great effort to get promoted and has really made the season for the club.

“The team have produced some good cricket in topping the North Group and reaching the semi-final in the One-Day Cup.

“The T20 wasn’t our best part of the season but to finish with this (promotion) is excellent.

“Massive credit has got to go out to the players to be able to turn things around and come back with the performances they have in the County Championship.

“(Ravi) Ashwin has come in and all credit to Steve Rhodes. Being able to get him at that time was brilliant.

“I want to thank the players for their commitment and professionalism throughout the season and the coaches and the support team, brilliant, a massive achievement.

“For us one of the biggest things about getting promotion is the young players now have the opportunity to play against the best in the country.

“Hopefully that helps us to keep our best players for the future and that is a massive important part for this club now.”