ZIMBABWE captain Heath Streak has admitted the tourists would have preferred to face stronger opponents, including Wor-cestershire, in their build-up to next week's first Test.

Although he expressed sympathy for counties' concerns over wear and tear on players, Streak confessed the omission of several individuals over their past two matches has given them an easier ride.

Worcestershire rested Gra-eme Hick and Nantie Hayward in recent tied match and in the current game with Sussex seven first-teamers were left out, including captain Chris Adams, England seamer James Kirtley and Pakistan spinner Mushtaq Ahmed.

The absence of counties' cream in such matches is far from new but it has led to the Zimbabwean batsmen spending extended time in the middle.

Nevertheless, Streak said: "Yes we would like to play against stronger county sides; around the world you see state sides or provincial sides putting out their strongest possible team.

"They try not to let the touring side dominate, making sure they have a tough time in their warm-up games. We would have liked to have played a stronger Sussex side but they have also got injury concerns.

"I don't think it's a conspiracy thing, it is up to each and every county to select their team."

Meanwhile, rain prevented any play yesterday in Worcestershire's Frizzell County Championship Division Two match against Durham at Stockton. The County's Second Eleven game with Derbyshire at Ombersley was abandoned as a draw.