Hick eyes England World Cup place

Graeme Hick has not ruled out returning to the England set-up - with his sights set firmly on the 2003 World Cup.

The prolific Worcestershire batsman was not selected for either the two-Test series against Pakistan or the following NatWest Series. His form during the winter tours of Sri Lanka and Pakistan had been disappointing despite the team's overall success.

Hick made his England debut a decade ago and has been recalled to the England side no fewer than ten times - and he's now holping to make it 11.

Although at the age of 35 he admits the chances of any further Test appearances may be slim, he believes he still has something to offer the one-day side.

"I can't envisage myself playing Test cricket this summer against Australia with the way the side has been selected and the way they are now looking," he said.

"I accept that the winter was not the best for me personally although it was still one I enjoyed immensely because of the results and being part of an England team while it was successful.

"Winning in Pakistan and Sri Lanka was special and not something you do very often.

"I was disappointed to miss out on the one-day games against Australia and Pakistan but I think there is still an opportunity or chance that I could still be playing in the World Cup next year.

"That is my goal, to keep myself fit and be in with a fighting chance for that, but any international cricket would be great. As long as I am playing cricket well and I am healthy then I will have those aspirations."