WORCESTERSHIRE Royals will be without skipper Graeme Hick for their Norwich Union National League Division One clash against Northamptonshire Steelbacks at New Road tomorrow (1pm).

As one of England's contracted players, he has been ordered by Lord's to take a break before the second Test against Zimbabwe.

Hick will be the only England campaigner to miss a National League match tomorrow as a number of other contracted players are either injured or do not have a game.

The England performers who are involved in this weekend's Benson and Hedges Cup semi-finals will be allowed to play under a Lord's agreement which enables them to take part in the competition.

New Road secretary Mike Vockins said: "It does seem slightly anomalous that there will be players in the Benson and Hedges Cup, but as the season unfolds we are all learning about central contracts and the people who administer them."

England have the power to control the playing schedule of their contracted players without permission, although counties are compensated for their absence.

With Hick ruled out tomorrow, up-and-coming paceman Kabir Ali will return to the side with spinner Matthew Rawnsley being added to the squad.

Worcestershire will be bidding to complete their third National League victory on the trot.