AUSTRALIAN all-rounder Damien Wright is set to play in Worcestershire’s first five Friends Life t20 matches after extending his stay.

The 35-year-old was due to head back Down Under next week but Pakistan off-spinner Saeed Ajmal’s arrival has been delayed.

Ajmal must return home to complete his visa application so he can join the County for the second-half of the season.

The 33-year-old is currently in Ireland with Pakistan following their tour of the West Indies and he picked up 4-35 during yesterday’s one-day international clash in Belfast. Wright will now stay until June 15 but Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is still expected at the club this week.

His visa application has been completed in time to make his return to Worcestershire for the opening t20 match at Lancashire Lightning on Friday.

County captain Daryl Mitchell, meanwhile, insists he is hopeful of being fit in time for the trip to Old Trafford.

The 27-year-old has been out of action since May 8 when he tore his intercostal muscle bowling in the Clydesdale Bank 40 match with Derbyshire at New Road.

The LV= County Championship Division One opening batsman revealed he may have played if the current Nottinghamshire match had started two or three days later.

However, while Mitchell is hoping to make his return in Manchester, he will be unable to bowl for several more weeks.

His Worcestershire team-mates were left frustrated by a day of rain after getting themselves into a good position in their championship match with Nottinghamshire at New Road.

No play was possible yesterday as the County looked to build on their 77-2 from the opening day, having bowled the reigning champions out for 223.

But, despite the rain on the second day, Worcestershire will remain confident they can push on and claim their first win of the season in the competition.