WORCESTERSHIRE will be without injured Vikram Solanki when they launch their County Championship Division Two match against Gloucestershire at New Road tomorrow.

The 26-year-old is ruled out with a bruised finger sustained while batting in the County's 332-run victory over Oxford UCCE.

New Road Director of Cricket Tom Moody said today: "He got a knock on the hand and he's not going to be fit. He's obviously disappointed because he's worked so hard in pre-season for this first game.

"He knows he needs to be 100 per cent fit and we're hoping he'll be available for Northampton next Wednesday."

The County, however, will be boosted by the inclusion of three of their four close-season signings -- Ben Smith, Stephen Peters and Gareth Batty.

Another newcomer Matt Mason, a 28-year-old paceman from Perth in Western Australia, is having to bide his time for a first team call-up.

Moody explained: "He's had a little bit of stiffness in his shoulder which is now completely out, but because he missed a couple of opportunities in trial games he hasn't brought his name to the table.

"I'm sure he's looking forward to getting some cricket under his belt so he can then push for a position."

Moody also reports that last year's player of the season, Australian pace ace Andy Bichel, is determined to carry on where he left off in 2001. He said: "He's 100 per cent fit and fresh off some international cricket."

Moody, who stresses that promotion to Division One is the County's top priority, believes his squad are in tip-top condition for the start of what he knows will be a challenging campaign.

He said: "We've had an excellent work-out at Oxford and at Leicester and Derby. But this is where it counts now.

"It would be nice to get the ball rolling in our direction to begin with. We are traditionally not terrific starters, but our preparation has been excellent."

Gloucestershire's veteran opener Kim Barnett is doubtful after breaking a bone in his finger, while paceman Mike Smith is ruled out with a groin problem.

Worcs: Weston, Singh, Hick, Smith, Peters, Leatherdale, Batty, Bichel, Rhodes, Kabir Ali, Sheriyar. 12th man: Liptrot.