Worcestershire move Surrey match to Kidderminster

Worcestershire have confirmed the relocation of their County Championship match against Surrey to Kidderminster.

The game, which starts on Wednesday May 9, was scheduled to be played at Worcestershire's New Road home. But with flood water currently covering three pitches on the square and a large portion of the outfield, the club have decided to make contingency plans.

David Leatherdale, the Worcestershire chief executive, said: "The flood levels at New Road, which peaked on Wednesday, are now starting to subside, and the standing water on the outfield is receding, although slowly. With further rain forecast for early next week and in order to guarantee the best possible chance of playing the four- day match against Surrey, the match will be played at Kidderminster, along with our CB40 one-day game against Netherlands on Monday."

The game is notable not only for the appearance of Kevin Pietersen, playing in his only Championship match ahead of the Test series against West Indies, but the return of Surrey's former Worcestershire keeper Steve Davies, who used to play club cricket for Kidderminster.

Worcestershire hope to return to New Road for the Championship match against Sussex scheduled to start on Wednesday 16th May.