Kabir Ali ruled out for six weeks

Kabir Ali will miss the start of the season after undergoing surgery to cure a double hernia problem. He is expected to be out of action until the middle of May.

Worcestershire will also be without Andrew Hall and Gareth Batty for the first few weeks as both are on international duty.

"This is obviously a big blow to us as a team, and Kabir personally, as he has been one of our main strike bowlers and key players over the last few seasons," said Tom Moody, the director of cricket. "Having said that we have good strength in depth in our squad and Kabir's injury will give someone else an opportunity to make a big impact at the start of the season.

"I think Mark Harrity will have a good year this time after taking time in 2003 to adjust to the English conditions. In addition we have got Andy Bichel back and everyone knows what he has done for Worcestershire in his past spells at the club. "I have no doubt that Kabir will come back fitter and stronger than ever in a few weeks' time and show the form we all know he is capable of."