WORCESTERSHIRE lost an early wicket when they launched their opening County Championship match of the season against Middlesex at Lord's today.

The victim was Philip Weston who was snapped up behind by David Nash off paceman Tim Bloomfield for 9.

He was in the middle for 22 minutes and faced 16 deliveries, hitting one four.

Weston had opened the innings with County newcomer Anurag Singh after the visitors had won the toss and decided to bat in cloudy and breezy conditions.

Weston's departure heralded the arrival of skipper Graeme Hick who began building a promising partnership with Singh.

Worcs: W P C Weston, A Singh, G A Hick, V S Solanki, D A Leatherdale, P R Pollard, S J Rhodes, A J Bichel, S R Lampitt, M J Rawnsley, C G Liptrot.