Solanki to open on return to the side

Vikram Solanki will celebrate his recall to the England side by opening the innings in the first NatWest Challenge match against India, with Michael Vaughan dropping down to bat at three. Solanki made a century in a losing cause in last Saturday's C&G Trophy final, and sheer weight of runs has given him an opportunity to test himself against the country of his forefathers.

"Once he got picked in the squad we earmarked him to come back and open the batting," said Vaughan, quoted on the BBC Sport website. "I've played at three for Yorkshire throughout the summer and I don't feel it being a huge change."

England's one-day form, or lack of it - three wins in their last 10 - has been a major concern for the team management, and Vaughan suggested that a back-to-basics approach might suit England best. "We like to have three guys who can play their orthodox game at the top and score in a nice fashion," he said. "I didn't score many runs in the [NatWest Series] but I feel my form has come back in the Tests and I'm playing well again."

Glamorgan's Alex Wharf is one of the newcomers in the squad, and there was also a recall for Gareth Batty, as England attemped to put the disappointment of the NatWest Series - New Zealand and West Indies contested the final - behind them.

"In the summer we didn't perform to the standard we would have expected," said Vaughan. "We've made a few changes and in depth and in athleticism we feel a bit better going into this tournament."

India have won seven of the last 12 matches between the sides, but the teams haven't met since the 2003 World Cup, where India won by 82 runs.