WORCESTERSHIRE head coach Kevin Sharp is revising the build-up to the new campaign in a bid to get in as much outfield practice as possible before the Specsavers County Championship opener at Hampshire a week on Friday.

The County’s three-day first-class fixture with Leeds Bradford MCCU at Royal Grammar School Worcester was abandoned without a ball being bowled.

The two-day academy-second XI fixture at the same venue has suffered the same fate.

An internal two-day practice match, which was to have featured Australian batsman Travis Head after his link-up with Worcestershire this week, at Blackfinch New Road next Monday and Tuesday has been called off after parts of the ground became flooded.

But Sharp and his coaches are remaining upbeat and determined to make the best of the situation with the elements having affected many counties' preparations during the past few days.

He said: “The weather is frustrating but we are doing our best, doing all we can do, to get in as much practice outdoors as possible.

“The players practised at Malvern College and then hopefully on the middle wicket at RGS Worcester if the weather relents.

“We then have a second XI match on Sunday at Wrekin College which could feature some of the first-team squad.

“We won’t be able to have the internal practice match at New Road on Monday and Tuesday because of the flooding which is due to peak on Friday.

“But we are hoping to be able to play a one-day match of red-ball cricket against Gloucestershire at Bristol on Monday.

“If we can get out there on Sunday and Monday and play some good outdoor cricket then all will not have been lost.

“There is very little you can do about the weather but we are trying to find alternatives in our schedule where possible.”