Hick, Caddick among stand-byes

LONDON, SEPT 23: Graeme Hick, the only batsman still playing first-class cricket to have scored 100 centuries has been put on stand-by for England8217;s Ashes tour of Australia later this year.

Hick was left out of the party announced earlier this month but the England selectors said today that he would be a non-travelling reserve with paceman Andy Caddick and left-arm spinner Phil Tufnell.

8220;The three players we have placed on stand-by are proven Test cricketers who are very much part of our current plans,8221; chairman of selectors David Graveney said.

All three will be expected to stay fit and be ready to fly to Australia at short notice.