WORCESTERSHIRE made a dramatic start after putting Glamorgan into bat in gloomy conditions in their County Championship clash at New Road today.

Australian pace ace Andy Bichel was in lethal form and struck with his second and fifth deliveries.

Firstly, he had David Hemp snapped up in the gully by Stephen Peters for a duck and then had Steve James caught behind by Steve Rhodes for a single.

The double setback left Ian Thomas and Michael Powell to try to repair the damage for Glamorgan, who were 14-2 in the seventh over.

Vikram Solanki came in for his first Championship appearance of the season after missing the opening two games with a finger injury. Spinner Matthew Rawnsley made way.

Director of Cricket Tom Moody said: "The boys are feeling very confident right now, especially after the way we've played over the past week, but what has happened in the B&H is not of any consequence now."

Worcs: Peters, Singh, Hick, Smith, Solanki, Leather-dale, Batty, Bichel, Rhodes, Kabir Ali, Sheriyar.

Glamorgan: James, Hemp, I. Thomas, Powell, Dale, Hughes, Wallace, Croft, D. Thomas, Kasprowicz, Jones.

Umpires: N.G. Cowley, N.A. Mallender.

Meanwhile, Worcestershire are expecting a rush on tickets for their Benson and Hedges Cup quarter-final showdown against Gloucestershire at the County Ground, Bristol, on Tuesday, May 21.

The match will be televised live by Sky Sports and is being staged a day earlier than the other quarter-final ties.

Tickets are available from New Road during normal office hours or by telephoning the club on 01905-748474.

Prices are £12 for adults, £9 for senior citizens and £6 for children. All pay including members.

Interest in the clash has gathered momentum following the County's impressive form during their group campaign in which they qualified for the last eight for the first time since 1995 by winning four of their five matches.