WORCESTERSHIRE director of cricket Steve Rhodes is pressing ahead with organising the 2017 pre-season schedule.

The County will be undertaking a warm weather camp in Abu Dhabi in March before flying home for a potential seven days cricket in English conditions.

The Specsavers County Championship Division Two opener with Glamorgan at the SSE SWALEC is from April 14 until 17.

Definitely in place is a three-day clash with Leeds-Bradford MCCU at Weetwood from April 7 until 9.

But Rhodes also confirmed fixtures have been arranged “in principle” with Somerset and Gloucestershire.

The County will participate in two one-dayers against Somerset in Taunton, either at the main Cooper Associates County Ground or nearby Taunton Vale, on March 30 and 31.

It will be preparation for the Royal London One-Day Cup which is being played earlier in the campaign next year.

Also agreed in principle is a two-day match against Gloucestershire on April 3 and 4 although the venue has still to be finalised.

Rhodes said: “We have in principle seven days cricket scheduled back in English conditions when we return from Abu Dhabi, predominantly in the longer format which is what we start in.

“But I was really pleased Matthew Maynard (Somerset director of cricket) wanted to play two one-day games because it gives us a chance to get into our one-day cricket which has an early start this season.

“That will be either at the main ground in Taunton or at Taunton Vale which is a lovely reserve ground.

“We also have a two-dayer against Gloucestershire. It could be at a Worcester venue, it could be down in Bristol. We will try and finalise the venue later.

“It is important to say at this stage the fixtures in principle are agreed.”