Hick and Alleyne reassured by Graveney

Graeme Hick and Mark Alleyne have been told that they still feature in England's plans for the 2003 World Cup.

Both players have been omitted from the England squad for the NatWest Series against Australia and Pakistan beginning next month.

But Hick, who was not picked for the Lord's Test against Pakistan after touring with England last winter, and Alleyne, the A-team captain, have been contacted today by England chairman of selectors, David Graveney.

He said: "Obviously they were both disappointed not to be included in the squad, but I made two phone calls to stress to them, that having one eye on 2003, we are trying different things.

"But certainly both of them are very much in the shake-up for what happens in 2003.

"It's difficult maybe for them initially to comprehend that. I will reiterate that personally when I see them."

Hick, 35 this week, is a veteran of 120 One-Day Internationals, while Alleyne captains Gloucestershire, currently the most successful one-day side in England.