WORCESTERSHIRE were left frustrated at Chelmsford today with the start of their Benson & Hedges semi-final tie with Essex delayed due to rain.

Tom Moody delayed a decision on the make-up of the team until play could get under way.

Meanwhile, Pakistan hope Australia will tour in August despite security concerns expressed by several Australian players.

Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath are among the leading Australian players who have said they have strong misgivings about touring Pakistan.

New Zealand's trip there was cut short last month by a bomb blast outside the team hotel in Karachi which killed 14 people.

Rising tensions between India and Pakistan over the disputed territory of Kashmir have added to the instability in the region.

Australia are scheduled to play a one-day series against Pakistan and New Zealand in August, followed by three Tests in September and October.

Pakistan cricket coach Mudassar Nazar said: "We're hoping the tour will go ahead."