OPENER Philip Weston's first County Championship innings of the season lasted just 13 minutes when Worcestershire launched their match against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge today.

He managed just a single before being caught behind by Chris Read off paceman David Millns.

Weston's quick-fire departure, after the County had won the toss, heralded the arrival of Graeme Hick who was back in Championship action following his Test exploits for England against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge.

With the score on 6-1, he joined Elliott Wilson who was soon into double figures.

Weston, who faced just nine balls, had opened the innings in place of dropped former Nottinghamshire left hander Paul Pollard.

The County, however, were boosted by the return of paceman Alamgir Sheriyar following an injury to his left knee which he picked up in training during the recent Championship match against Gloucestershire at Bristol.

All-rounder David Leatherdale also returned to the side after missing Worcestershire's three-day draw against the West Indies because of a dislocated little finger on his right hand which he suffered during fielding practice.

Notts, however, were without their Pakistan pace ace Shoaib Aktar whose eagerly-awaited debut was delayed because of a side strain.

At the end of the 16th over Worcs had eased their way to 63-1 with Wilson on 23 and Hick on 28 including a massive six.

Worcs: W.P.C. Weston, E.J. Wilson, G.A. Hick, V.S. Solanki, D.A. Leatherdale, R.C. Driver, S.J. Rhodes, S.R. Lampitt, R.K. Illingworth, G.D. McGrath, A. Sheriyar.

Umpires: M.J. Harris, P. Willey.