Hick gets his wish as rain washes out preparations

GRAEME HICK has admitted he has recently felt so jaded he would look out off the window "and hope that it was raining". Yesterday, at Trent Bridge, the England bats man got his wish as a heavy downpour washed out final preparations for today's Third Test against India.

But, as England look to clinch a series they lead 1-0, Hick and his captain, Mike Atherton, both spoke glowingly of the power of rest.

Atherton and Hick missed last week's championship fixture after complaining of tiredness following the drawn Lord's Test.

In Hick's case, in particular, the decision was criticised by some Worcestershire officials.

Tom Graveney, the former England batting great and now Worcestershire's president, said Hick owed it to county members to play and that he also needed the batting after Test scores this summer of eight, one and six.

But Hick said. "I know that people who used to play in the past might argue, differently, but when I spoke with Tom the other day he didn't mention it. I'll only worry about things like that if it is said to my face.

"I discussed my situation last week with the Worcestershire cricket committee and they made the decision to rest me. Burn out can be a danger and the break has recharged my batteries.

"I have played a lot of cricket since the start of the season and I needed time to rest and gather my thoughts. You do reach the stage where you look out the window and hope it is raining so that you don't have to play.

"We had a hell of a long winter on tour, first in South Africa and then at the World Cup all that travelling and playing catches up with you. At Lord's I spoke with Mike Atherton about it and he thought that everyone who had done both trips during the winter was tired."

Atherton said. "I think it was right for both Graeme and I to have a match off. Jack Russell was also planning to, but then, Courtney Walsh was unavailable for Gloucestershire's match so in the end he played.

"I think the point to make at this stage is that it's not some thing that we're going to abuse as England players. In any one summer there might be one match we have off I can't see it being more than that.

"In my case this was the first time in nine years that I have missed a match for anything other than injury. Graeme has missed one match in 10 years at county level, and when you have scored mountains of runs like him I don't think that's too much to ask.

"It's vital you are fresh and keen for big matches, and the good thing was that the counties concerned were very receptive."

Meanwhile, England's management have released leg spinner Ian Salisbury from their 13, deciding that they would not need a second spinner in the likely conditions.

The Trent Bridge pitch looks to, be docile, and a changeable weather forecast has also England round to choosing an attack based on four seamers, plus Kent slow left armer Min Patel.

Atherton indicated that the one remaining decision to be made is whether Ronnie Irani or Mar Ealham will be omitted from England's remaining 12.

He added. "It is just a question of if we want the stronger fifth bowler or a stronger batsman as our all rounder. But we shall be picking an 11 to win the match we want to take the series 2-0 because it is always dangerous to try to sit on a lead and play for a draw."