WORCESTERSHIRE are ex-pecting a 4,500 full house for the opening day of their game against the Australians which gets underway at New Road on Friday.

"Tickets have been going very well," said Mike Vockins, who retires after the match after 30 years as County secretary.

Vockins, who is being replaced by new chief executive Mark Newton, is also anticipating a possible full-house for Saturday's play.

"There has also been good interest shown in Sunday as well, although there are still tickets available," he said today.

The Australians were at New Road today for a Press conference following their arrival in this country yesterday.

Meanwhile, Worcestershire were firmly in charge after the first day of their Second XI Championship clash with Northamptonshire at Kidder-minster.

The County reached 346-5 in their first innings before declaring, Nick Boulton (91) and Duncan Catterall (71no) leading the way with a 105 stand for the fifth wicket after Anurag Singh (44) and Reuben Spiring (33) had opened with a partnership of 61.

Paceman Steve Ellis then removed both openers in his first over as Northants limped to 34-2 at the close.

* A full preview of Worcestershire's three-day match against the Aussies will appear in tomorrow's Evening News.