WORCESTERSHIRE'S weather-ruined game against India at New Road ended as it began -- with rain.

The ill-fated match was finally abandoned as a draw at tea on Saturday.

The Indians, gearing up for the second Test against England which starts at Trent Bridge on Thursday, were restricted to what amounted to a couple of days practice after the opening two days were completely washed out.

After the tourists had declared on their overnight total of 417-8 the County were able to face just 54 overs before the weather had the final say. At that stage they were 200-6.

Worcestershire's reply began with an 84-run partnership between openers Stephen Peters and Anurag Singh.

Singh was eventually removed by Sourav Ganguly for 46 thanks to a catch at second slip by Virender Sehwag.

Peters went on to complete a half century although he was unable to add to his 50 before he was trapped leg before by Ashish Nehra.

Ben Smith followed shortly afterwards, making just five before becoming another victim for Nehra.

Vikram Solanki also made five before falling to Ajit Agarkar while skipper Graeme Hick was given out lbw to Harbhajan Singh while on 27.

Gareth Batty and James Pipe added 37 before Pipe, in his first senior appearance of the season, fell for 12.

Batty was undefeated on 30 while Kabir Ali did not have enough time to open his account before the wet weather proved to be the final winner.

It was a disappointing end to a match in which the only real highlight was an excellent performance by the World's greatest batsman Sachin Tendulkar who warmed up for this week's Test with an excellent 169 which contained 30 fours off 246 deliveries.

He was eventually dismissed by occasional bowler Ben Smith, a distinguished third victim of his career.