MALVERN captain Steve Lake believes tomorrow’s Worcestershire Cricket League Division Two opener with Bredon (1pm) will be the “acid test” for his team’s survival hopes.

The Regency Road hosts finished second-from-bottom last season but were handed a reprieve from relegation due to a shake-up, which saw Harvington drop from Division One to Four as they could not field three teams.

However, Lake reckons their let-off could see them struggle in 2015, as they have been unable to add new players and will be without all-rounder Rob Francis for some of the campaign through hand surgery.

They are also seeking a replacement wicketkeeper as Anthony Arnold has had a hip operation.

Bredon were promoted from third position in Division Three and Lake reckons the match could become an early benchmark.

Lake said: “With what’s happened, it would have been quite handy to go down to Division Three. I guess it will be a challenge to stay up.

“Tomorrow will be an acid test for us to see if we are able to hold our own this year.

“It’s my first year as captain so it’s a bit of pressure off because we are not expected to do as well.”

Bromyard, who have ex-Sri Lanka Test all-rounder Dinusha Fernando back in their ranks, begin their Division One campaign at home to Colwall after their own reprieve from relegation (1pm).

“This year will be about consolidation. I don’t think we are going to be setting any fireworks off,” said Bromyard captain James Hine.

“If we could be comfortably mid-table, we would be happy with that.”

Bransford side Worcester Nomads go head-to-head with fellow title favourites Pershore at The Bottoms.

Captain Ben Schiffmann said: “We are obviously looking to go back up to the Birmingham League, it’s the club’s ambition.

“We are certainly not taking it for granted but are hoping to finish up somewhere near the top.”

Hanley Castle and Upton host relegated Harvington and Barnards Green thirds entertain their Bromsgrove counterparts in the Division Four curtain-raisers.

In the Birmingham League, Barnards Green, under the new captaincy of George Rhodes, start their Division One season against Moseley at North End Lane (noon).

Eastnor visit Worcester side Old Elizabethans in Division Two (noon).