Vaughan's recovery could be the end for Hick

Michael Vaughan will under-go an extensive fitness test today (Tuesday) to ascertain whether he will be able to play in the final Test of the series in Pakistan. Vaughan has not played since November 11th, when he sustained a calf strain when fielding against a Governor's XI side in Peshawar.

Despite his lack of match practise, the England management team are keen to add to their batting options as Hick seems to be devoid of form and confidence, and Hussain continues to endure ill luck.

"He's had a complete rest because we did push it a little bit before the last Test and we'll know soon enough how fit he is," explained coach Duncan Fletcher. "At this stage he hasn't done anything except work in the pool and it will be a big decision because we have to look at the make-up of the side."

Fletcher admitted that Hick's form was "a little bit of a concern," but had reassuring words for Ian Salisbury. "He bowled well on that last day, he didn't bowl any short stuff and got that wicket and could have bowled for a bit longer," Fletcher commented.

However, Graeme Hick once again finds himself battling to preserve his international future. Time may finally have run out for the awesomely talented Hick. It is by no means certain that England will not call-up some new faces prior to the tour of Sri Lanka, and the Worcester man may well be the one to make way. Now aged 34, he may find it harder to fight his way back as England look for younger players to build for the future. If Vaughan is considered unfit for the Test, it is possible that Andy Flintoff will replace Hick in the team, despite having faced only one ball in first-class cricket since he returned to Pakistan.