WORCESTERSHIRE are hoping to return to Kidderminster's Chester Road ground for a County Championship fixture next season.

The Essex game, starting on Wednesday, August 9, is favourite to be played at the town ground but talks are still going on.

"We have asked Kidderminster if they can stage the Essex game," said Worcestershire secretary Mike Vockins today.

The County have won six, lost three and drawn four at Kidderminster since first-class fixtures resumed there in 1987 after a 14-year break.

Last season they lost to Derbyshire at Chester Road - the third year on the trot they had tasted defeat at the ground.

England have kept their options open for Thursday's opening Test against South Africa by naming a 12-man squad for the Wanderers.

Captain Nasser Hussain and coach Duncan Fletcher inspected the Johannesburg pitch today and despite predictions it will be fast and bouncy they have included left-arm spinner Phil Tufnell.

But there is no place for Surrey fast bowler Alex Tudor, who disappointed at Centurion Park.

Squad: MA Atherton (Lancashire), MA Butcher (Surrey), N Hussain (Essex, capt), MP Vaughan (Yorkshire), AJ Stewart (Surrey, wkt), CJ Adams (Sussex), A Flintoff (Lancashire), GM Hamilton (Yorkshire), AR Caddick (Somerset), D Gough (Yorkshire), AD Mullally (Hampshire), PCR Tufnell (Middlesex).

Worcestershire's Alamgir Sheriyar finished with 3-60 as South Island were dismissed for 217 on day two of their game with England A.

Captain Mark Alleyne did not hesitate enforcing the follow-on and, at the close, South Island had reached 139 for three, still 99 runs in arrears.