WORCESTERSHIRE skipper Graeme Hick is one of 12 players to have been awarded a central contract by England today.

However, there is no place on the list for his County team-mate and fellow winter tourist Vikram Solanki.

Hick's inclusion means he will receive around £70,000 for a six-month contract, to be controlled by the England and Wales Cricket Board, but it will severely restrict his appearances for the County.

He will only be automatically available for Benson and Hedges Cup and NatWest Trophy matches. Any other domestic appearances will be at the discretion of England coach Duncan Fletcher.

Worcestershire will receive £50,000 compensation from the ECB.

Lancashire leg-spinner Chris Schofield is the surprise name among the list.

The 21-year-old is yet to represent his country at senior level and has played only 10 first-class matches for Lancashire, taking only 31 wickets.

But with virtually every other successful international side either containing a successful wrist spinner or unorthodox spinners like Muttiah Muralitharan, England are desperate for Schofield to develop into a Test match-winner.

He returned from the A tour from New Zealand with his reputation enhanced and England believe that by giving him a contract, they will be better able to speed up his education and fast-track him into the international arena.

Former Royal Grammar School Worcester pupil Dean Headley is also included on the list.

"This is a system which has worked successfully in countries like South Africa and Australia," said Tim Lamb, the ECB's chief executive. "It will enable us to manage and monitor the activities of leading players more effectively and help us to keep tabs on fitness."

The full list of contracted players is: Nasser Hussain (captain), Michael Atherton, Andrew Caddick, Andrew Flintoff, Darren Gough, Dean Headley, Graeme Hick, Mark Ramprakash, Chris Schofield, Alec Stewart, Michael Vaughan and Craig White.