EXTRA security guards are being drafted into Worcestershire County Cricket Club to ensure players remain safe when the Zimbabwe cricket team visits.

The tourists will play their first four-day county match at New Road, Worcester, starting on Friday, May 9.

Cricket club staff are not expecting any mass protests aimed at the Zimbabwe government, but are still taking precautions.

"We're fully aware of the situation and there will be four extra security stewards on duty each day to make sure the players' area is secure," said Mark Newton, chief executive at the cricket club.

"The Home Office reports suggest two things - any protest will not be aimed at the players themselves, and it is unlikely there will be any planned or major protest at our game.

"We expect one or two people, who have the right to protest peacefully. We have no problem with that at all.

"We think the reality is that some might protest outside the game to make their point, as it is paid admission.

"We're looking forward to playing them as we hosted them in the 1999 World Cup and their vice-captain, Tatenda Taibu, played county cricket here last year."

Worcestershire is traditionally the first county club to host the touring side before they embark on international matches.

Zimbabwe played British Universities at the weekend at Edgbaston, Birmingham, where a handful of protesters highlighted the plight of Zimbabweans. Zimbabwe won by 10 wickets.

The tour includes two Test matches and a triangular one-day tournament.

There were protests outside Lord's in London when the Zimbabwe team arrived in the UK.

Worcester police were unable to confirm whether there would be any police presence at the ground during the match.

"It's not force policy to discuss the details of policing arrangements of any events," said Sgt Dave Coulson.

"Policing in the area is intelligence-led and therefore officers will be deployed when and where necessary if they are needed."