Tom Moody returns to New Road next Thursday for the first time since his departure as director of cricket.

He returns as coach of Sri Lanka, who take on a strong-looking England A side in a four-day game beginning on Thursday.

Moody is something of an oddity. As a county coach who left mid-way through a season for a more high-profile job, one might expect him to have fallen out with Worcester-shire, but the county chief executive, Mark Newton, describes Moody as a "dear friend" of the club and the affection is clearly mutual.

"I was thrilled to and see that we were to play in Worcester," Moody said. "Even though we won't be facing the Worcestershire team, it will be nice to be there and I'm obviously excited to be returning, having spent so many happy years there, firstly as a player and then in the capacity of director of cricket.

"I'm looking forward to seeing some familiar faces and catching up with old colleagues as well as some of the regular spectators I grew to know at New Road over the years."

Chaminda Vaas, a Worcestershire overseas player last year, is also in the Sri Lanka squad.

In order to encourage new supporters, the club have announced that children under 16 will be granted free entry to the ground on the Saturday and Sunday of the game.

Meanwhile the club have announced that some tickets are remaining for the Elton John concert on June 11.

The club hope to attract a capacity crowd of 19,000 for the concert. For more information, visit www.wccc.co.uk