DISAPPOINTED Worcestershire are today counting the cost of having the opening day of their match against star-studded India washed out by rain at New Road.

The County had budgeted to take around £10,000 on the gate during the four days.

Yesterday, however, the ground was virtually empty on a day when the Indians were expected to attract a bumper crowd.

A prompt start proved impossible today as mopping-up operations continued.

India are fielding a near full-strength side which includes the world's greatest batsman Sachin Tendulkar.

Eight of the team featured in the first Test defeat against England at Lord's.

Worcestershire's chief executive Mark Newton said after yesterday's abandonment: "It's a great shame.

"We had a full-house on Sunday for our Norwich Union League game against Yorkshire which was terrific and, although the advance ticket sales haven't been great for this game, we were anticipating quite a good crowd, particularly when the news got out that India are virtually at full-strength.

"To that extent it's a lost opportunity and a loss of money. Members still get in free for this game, but we were budgeting to take about £10,000 on the gate over the four days from the public.

"What it means now is that we have to take that £10,000 in three days instead of four.

"Inevitably the catering suffers and also the shop because nobody is taking money -- and that's money you never recoup."

The County's Director of Cricket Tom Moody added: "It is frustrating because this game is a great opportunity for our players to play against some fine internationals and the Indians are fielding a near full-strength side, so it's a great opportunity to bowl against the Tendulkars and Dravids of this world.

"Also, we have had a decent break and we'd like to keep some good form out in the middle leading into the remainder of the season."

County skipper Graeme Hick was also disappointed in the delay in enabling him to get a close-up view of Tendulkar.

He said: "He is an awesome player. He's partly why I'm playing in this game, so I can stand at first slip and watch him bat.

"He's got a great record and a lot of our chaps would be excited if they got him out very cheaply. But then there would be a touch of disappointment that they didn't have the opportunity to see him bat at first hand."