Worcestershire have awarded long-serving all-rounder David Leatherdale a benefit year in 2003.

The 34-year-old, who made his County debut in 1988, was capped in 1994 and has scored more than 9,000 first-class runs and over 3,400 in one-day matches.

He has taken more than 200 wickets in all forms of cricket including a career best 5-9 against Durham earlier this season in the Norwich Union League.

New Road chief executive Mark Newton said today: "The award of this benefit year is a tribute to David's long and successful career with the County and I feel sure the Worcestershire cricketing public will support him well."

Meanwhile, openers Jon Lewis and Gary Pratt made a promising start after Durham had won the toss and elected to bat in the Frizzell County Championship Division Two clash at New Road today.

Pratt was the more adventurous after opening his account with a boundary off Andy Bichel, back in Championship action after his recent international duties with Australia. After six overs Durham were 28 without loss.

Worcestershire: Weston, Singh, Hick, Smith, Solanki, Leatherdale, Batty, Rhodes, Bichel, Kabir Ali, Sheriyar.