KABIR Ali is back to gun down Lancashire.

Worcestershire's pace ace passed a fitness test today and is named in their side for the Division Two promotion showdown tomorrow.

Kabir, who has missed the opening two Frizzell County Championship games with a calf strain, replaces loan ranger Alamgir Sheriyar.

The clash could give Worcestershire a major psychological advantage in the race for the title.

With Sri Lanka aces Chaminda Vaas and Muttiah Muralitharan going head-to-head plus the attraction of England aces Andrew Flintoff and Vikram Solanki, the game looks set to pull a big crowd as New Road opens its doors for the first time this season.

"It's a big game," said Worcestershire's director of cricket Tom Moody.

"It's a huge boost to have Kabir back because he's a genuine wicket-taker plus he adds strength and depth to our batting.

"He wasn't quite ready for the Durham game last week but we're confident that he's fit and we're delighted to have him back in the side."

Worcestershire go into the game having lost their second championship clash inside two days at Durham.

Moody, though, believes that the result was a freak one in extreme conditions.

"I don't think anyone should read too much into that result," he added. "We played badly for two hours in two days and ended up losing the game.

"There were extreme conditions and, really, you just have to put it to one side and focus on the next game.

"There are a lot of good sides in Division Two this year but, of course, the Lancashire match is a big one.

"They have players such as Muttiah Muralitharan and Andrew Flintoff so it's going to be a good test.

"Obviously we have Chaminda so we'll be asking him what tricks Murali is likely to have up his sleeve!

"We've also got players such as Graeme Hick, who have first-hand experience of him so we know what to expect.

"Maybe it will be good for us that the pressure is on Flintoff. He's coming back and everyone will be watching to see how he does."

Team: Peters, Moore, Hick, Smith, Solanki, Batty, Pipe, Vaas, Kabir, Mason, Wigley.