WORCESTERSHIRE'S opening batsman Philip Weston will be out of action for at least another three weeks.

He is being sidelined for longer than expected following surgery on his left knee.

Weston has yet to make his first appearance of the season because of the injury which needed an operation on Tuesday.

More surgery than expected was needed and he now faces at least three weeks out of action rather than the seven or eight days which had been anticipated.

Weston's injury setback follows in the wake of all-rounder Gavin Haynes' knee operation before the start of the season. He is now hoping to step up his fitness battle in a bid to be available for selection possibly around the same time as Weston.

County coach Bill Athey said: "Phil is obviously going to miss more cricket than he wants to, but he's a good professional and he'll be back as soon as is humanly possible. But he's well brassed off and he just wants to play and score some runs."

Regarding Haynes, Athey said: "He's coming on well. He's had a few throw-downs in the nets the other day, but it's still going to be a couple of weeks at least."

Worcestershire, meanwhile, are continuing to be dogged by the wet weather. Yesterday no play was possible on the opening day of their County Championship Division Two match against Glamorgan at New Road.

Athey said: "The weather can't be helped it's as simple as that, but the lads are fed up. We have built up for the beginning of the season and it hasn't really started as yet. It's disappointing, but there's nothing we can do about it."

Yesterday's disappointing wash-out delayed Australian pace star Glenn McGrath's eagerly-awaited home debut.

There was still no chance of play starting on time today.

n For the second day running Worcestershire's Second Eleven Championship game against Lanca-shire was rained off at Old Trafford.