RECORD-breaking batsman Graeme Hick will officially open Worcestershire's new £700,000 Basil D'Oliveira Stand.

The ceremony will take place at 11.30am on Tuesday, May 4, be-fore the start of the National League Division Two clash ag-ainst Nottinghamshire Outlaws.

D'Oliveira and his family will be present at the opening of the 2,000-seater stand on the Diglis side of the ground.

New Road chief executive Mark Newton said: "We are inviting as many ex-Worcestershire players who either play-ed with or were coached by Basil as we can contact to the opening ceremony.

"The day will be a fitting tribute to one of the game's great legends - a man who has had such an influence on world cricket and beyond."

Members and supporters will also be able to watch the ceremony and all children 16 and under will be allowed free admission to the game.

The stand is nearing completion and is expected to be in full use for the first home Championship match of the season against champions Sussex, starting on Wednesday, April 28.

A £200,000 grant from UK Sport has helped pay for the stand which will include new facilities for disabled spectators, additional public toilets and new catering & bar outlets.

Meanwhile, Worcestershire's players will report back to New Road for full time training a week on Monday in preparation for the new season.

They will play a number of friendly matches before they open their Championship campaign with a game against Kent, starting on Wednesday, April 21.

A two-day friendly has been arranged against Sussex at Hove on April 2 and 3 with an inter-squad game at Ombersley Cricket Club on April 8.

On April 10, 11 and 12 the County will take on Cardiff UCCE at New Road followed by a three-day friendly against Essex at Chelmsford on April 15-17.

Australian pace star Andy Bichel is expected to arrive in early to mid-April in time to play in the opening Championship match.

All-rounder Andrew Hall's arrival will depend on his involvement in the Twenty20 competition in South Africa. Matt Mason is already back, while Mark Harrity is expected back on March 26.