Franks - fast bowler could make England debut

Paul Franks could well play his first match for England in the NatWest Series with West Indies tomorrow at Trent Bridge, his home ground. The young fast bowler has been retained in the party while others not seen to be in the first team - Vikram Solanki, Matthew Maynard and Robert Croft - have been allowed back to play with their counties.

Franks may be included so that Darren Gough or Andrew Caddick could take a break before the Final with Zimbabwe at Lord's on Saturday.

Alec Stewart, who had deputised as captain for Nasser Hussain while he was injured, had emphasised the importance to stick with the nucleus of a winning team, but thought there was a good opportunity to play Franks on Thursday. When they spoke recently the young bowler had told him that being in the England squad had given him an understanding of what was required and a target for his ambition.

Croft has been released from the competition and can now play for Glamorgan in today's championship match against Cardiff. England, for whom opening batsman Nick Knight has returned from a finger-injury, has a party of 13 players for the rest of the NatWest Series.