OPENER Philip Weston is set to make his first appearance of the season in Worcestershire's three-day match against the West Indies starting at New Road tomorrow.

He has battled his way back to fitness following an operation on his left knee.

Weston performed well in this week's Second Eleven Championship match against Gloucestershire at Cheltenham and, provided he suffers no ill effects to his knee, is keen to face the tourists.

Worcestershire, however, are to rest their Australian pace ace Glenn McGrath.

New Road secretary Mike Vockins said today: "Glenn has already bowled more overs for us than anyone else in the side, even after a very full winter of international cricket.

"While members and supporters may be disappointed not to see him in action against the West Indies, we believe they will recognise the key role he has played so far in our heading the Norwich Union National League and our division of the County Championship.

"They will understand, too, our determination to stay at the top and we need Glenn with plenty of petrol in the tank for this.

"He has a good record against the West Indies and so, in a sense, has nothing to prove in this context, but it will be a valuable opportunity for one or our younger bowlers."

Worcestershire retain teenage pace bowler Kabir Ali following his fine display against Northamptonshire in the National League on Sunday, while Duncan Catterall fills the gap created by Reuben Spiring who is also rested.

The side will be captained by Steve Rhodes in the absence of Graeme Hick who is on England duty.

County coach Bill Athey said of the match: "It's come at a good time for us as we are playing good cricket at the moment.

"It will be great experience for our younger players. They have probably only read about Brian Lara, Curtly Ambrose and Jimmy Adams."

Regarding the match being cut from four to three days because of late amendments to the scheduling of the Windies v Pakistan tour, Athey said: "I'd much prefer to play four-day but hopefully, we'll have good crowds as there's the prospect of some really good cricket."

Worcestershire: Weston, Wilson, Solanki, Pollard, Leatherdale, Rhodes, Lampitt, Illingworth, Catterall, Kabir Ali, Sheriyar.