GLENN McGrath is back in Worcester today while his new county colleagues complete their opening first class game of the season in Cambridge without their star attraction.

The Australian was driven back home by Worcestershire coach Bill Athey yesterday after pulling up with a hamstring strain only five overs into his opening spell against Cambridge University.

But both player and county were making light of what they stressed was a minor twinge which should not prevent the world's top bowler making his home Championship debut ag-ainst Middlesex next week.

"I felt a snatching in my muscle and decided it would be best to stop bowling", said McGrath. "I don't think it is too serious but we thought it was best to get home and get some treatment on it.

"It was probably punishment for bowling a couple of no-balls!"

Those two successive no-balls in his final over as he strove for a little extra pace, plus the one he bowled the previous evening accounted for six of the 10 runs he conceded in 11 overs while removing the top four in the Cambridge order.

It was bowling, on a flat slow early season pitch to lift the spirits of Worcestershire supporters and team-mates who were witnessing a master of his craft at work.

At the other end Alamgir Sheriyar suffered in comparison as he struggled to find some early season rhythm.

Despite being the leading wicket taker in last summer's domestic game the left-armer is likely to face a lot of bowling uphill and into the wind this season. But by way of compensation he can expect the presence of McGrath steaming in from the other end to earn him wickets.

It was not until McGrath departed that Sheriyar was able to switch ends and immediately grab his first wicket as Cambridge were reduced to 33-5 after 24 overs.

But the game lost its fizz with the departure of its star attraction and the cricket became miserable as the drizzle that caused a 45 minute delay at the start, washed out the entire afternoon session. Play resumed after tea but then the rain returned to cause a premature end to the day with the university on 109-8, trailing by 143 runs.