KABIR Ali has vowed to bounce back "fitter and stronger and ready to prove loads of people wrong" in 2004 after the disappointment of not being selected by England this winter.

The Worcestershire pace bowler won his first Test cap against South Africa at Headingley in August and took five wickets.

Kabir was also included in the one-day squad for the NatWest Series -- although he was only selected once when rain meant he did not bat or bowl against Zimbabwe at Headingley.

But he has not even been called up as a replacement for the series in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka after James Anderson's withdrawal, despite finishing high up in the national averages with 67 first-class wickets.

Kabir said: "It's disappointing not to be going on tour. I don't think I've done anything wrong to be left out of the side.

"England haven't given me a big reason as to why I haven't been selected. I got five wickets in my first Test, the second best bowling figures in that game.

"Never mind, England must have thought that they have other bowlers that can do a better job but I will come back from the disappointment.

"I've set myself a few goals for 2004 and I'll come back fitter and stronger and prove loads of people wrong.

"Worcestershire will also be playing in the First Division of the County Championship next season when we will be up against stronger opposition and playing on better wickets so I've got to work hard this winter to improve myself."