GLOUCESTERSHIRE had to be satisfied with another Specsavers County Championship Division Two draw at the Brightside Ground as Worcestershire batted out the final day.

Moeen Ali hit a 106-ball century to frustrate the home side.

The England all-rounder came to the rescue with his side in trouble at 49 for three, chasing an unlikely 352 to win in 63 overs, hitting a fluent 136 not out, including 17 fours and four sixes, in a quality knock that featured just one chance.

Earlier, Jack Taylor had lashed 13 fours and two sixes in an explosive 105, his second fifty coming off just 27 balls, to help Gloucestershire from a perilous 217 for six overnight to 382 for seven declared.

Chris Dent was unbeaten on 138 at the closure, having shared a seventh-wicket stand of 162 with Taylor.

It was his second hundred of the season and took his run tally in five Championship innings to 402 at an average of over 100.

The early loss of openers Brett D’Oliveira and Daryl Mitchell, both to Liam Norwell (three for 69), left Worcestershire batting to salvage a draw and they closed on 210 for four.

Dent and Taylor batted the home side out of trouble in the morning session, which began with them leading by only 186.

The seventh-wicket pair stayed together until lunch, overcoming the second new ball and adding 140 in attractive style.

Dent reached a rock solid hundred off 225 balls, with 13 fours, having begun the day on 81. and never gave a semblance of a chance.

He was eclipsed by the big-hitting Taylor, who cut loose after reaching a half-century off 69 balls. He took 17 off an over from Moeen, which cost 21 runs, and a second six off the England man in the last over before lunch took him to three figures.

At lunch Taylor was unbeaten on 101, while Dent was 122 not out.

The declaration came soon after the interval and Norwell then briefly raised Gloucestershire hopes of victory with wickets but Ali stuck around and finished on 136 not out as his side ended on 210-4.