Play in the first Benson and Hedges semi-final between Essex and Worcestershire will get underway four hours late today after persistent morning drizzle.

Worcestershire skipper Graeme Hick won the toss and elected to field, his attack spearheaded by Allan Donald and young quick Kabir Ali. Despite its excellent reputation, the Chelmsford wicket is set to favour bowlers. The track is damp and green, with tufts of live grass.

Two reserve days have been set aside for the match, with play allowed to continue until 8pm if there is no prospect of a result this evening. If the light holds, and a result is imminent, play can continue indefinitely.

Allan Donald arrived at Heathrow Airport early this morning after attending Hansie Cronje's funeral in South Africa yesterday. He is available for selection.

Worcestershire's head of cricket Tom Moody said: "Andy Bichel has been terrific for us this season with bat and ball but Allan is a more than handy replacement."

Meanwhile the Essex captain Ronnie Irani has been enthusing about the form of his team this season, which has seen advances in both forms of the game.

"It's been a great turnaround, which you could see happening even before the season started," said Irani.

"It's been like the old Essex. There are new faces and if the team spirit is right we have always had the players who are competitive and capable.

"We have got options whether we are batting or fielding first and the best one-day sides in the world always have options.

"We weren't always versatile and we have chopped and changed things and now have players who are willing to do anything for the cause."

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