This time last year Worcestershire beat the Australians, whereupon the touring team went on to lose the three one-day internationals and the first Test. Since the South Africans have allowed themselves an even more overloaded winter's cricket and an equally brief playing-in period, a setback in their opening match would be heavy with omen.

With old hands like Newport, Illingworth, Rhodes and Haynes all back, Reuben Spiring will be the only absentee today from Worcestershire's strongest side on paper, assuming Tom Moody decides to play. Despite continuing discomfort from the third finger of his right hand, broken three weeks ago, he will be keen to do so: enhanced prize money for touring team versus county games will be announced by Vodafone today when the Worcester air will be as thick with the aura of cricketing sponsors as it already is with May blossom.

Yesterday the neighbouring King's School playing fields were almost as full of figures in white as the Severn is with swans, which is very full indeed. What with three days at Worcester and Arundel on Sunday, the younger South Africans might easily be lulled into a pastoral stupor but hard-bitten men like Hansie Cronje and Bob Woolmer will not let it happen.

They are giving Monantau Hayward, their exciting young fast-bowling prospect, an early outing here and though the top five of Kirsten, Liebenberg, Kallis, Cullinan and Cronje is the anticipated Test order, the inclusion of Jonty Rhodes at six shows that the one-day internationals, starting a week today, are the immediate priority.

Pat Symcox will be the preferred spinner for these games but it is Paul Adams who is given the first opportunity to get a decent bowl.