WORCESTERSHIRE officials have appealed for club members to turn out in force, roll up their sleeves and help the County's bid for a swift return to playing at New Road.

The outfield at the club's headquarters is still partially under water and the sections that have drained are covered in a layer of silt.

However, the clean-up operation is already under way and chief executive Mark Newton is hopeful the ground will be ready to stage Sunday's LV County Championship Division One clash with Kent.

Worcestershire were forced to call off last Wednesday's Twenty20 Cup game with Warwickshire and have played the last two against Northamptonshire and Gloucestershire at Kidderminster.

Their final home group fixture will be against Glamorgan at Himley on Thursday.

Newton admitted it was a risky move, adding that the biggest concern would be the condition of the wicket for a four-day fixture. He said: "It is a real risk but everyone is up for the challenge.

"Everything is focused on us being able to bowl the first ball against Kent at New Road at 11am on Sunday morning.

"The odour pervading the ground is pretty bad but we will be calling on our members later in the week to come down and give a few hours help to wipe down the seats and certain other areas.

"This time next week we night be regretting it but we have decided to put all energy and efforts into trying to get the game on at New Road rather than face the logistics of trying to play a four-day game on an out-ground.

"Of course, the wicket is the biggest worry, the most difficult part of the jigsaw. But I said to our head groundsman Tim Packwood, This is my call, do all you can to get a wicket that is playable', and he is going to do that. We think a decent strip can be prepared.

"The flood water is still on some of the outfield, car parks and in the marquee but we are able to get into the buildings and start the clean-up.

"The entire infrastructure may not be ready but we owe it to our members and supporters to show what we can achieve."

Meanwhile, director of cricker Steve Rhodes takes the Royals to Taunton tomorrow to take on Somerset Sabres in a must-win encounter (5.30pm).

Nadeem Malik and Stephen Moore have been left out of the squad that lost by 61 runs to Gloucestershire Gladiators on Sunday as they will play for the seconds.

Somerset are likely to be without key batsman Marcus Trescothick, who continues his recovery from a groin injury.

Worcestershire (from): Solanki, Hick, Jaques, Moeen Ali, Smith, Sillence, Batty, Davies, Kabir Ali, Price, Bollinger, Mitchell, Nel.