WORCESTERSHIRE'S Vikram Solanki takes his place in the England 'A' team when their Caribbean cricket tour gets under way tomorrow in the first Busta International Shield Match against West Indies 'B' in Grenada.
England's preparation for their opening match in the West Indies' main domestic competition has been intense since they arrived on December 28, but lack of match practice has caused concern.
Only one three-day practice match was scheduled but that failed to materialise and instead England were forced to play an eight-a-side fixture amongst themselves.
The return of David Sales to England after he fell and twisted his knee in a game of beach volleyball has also hampered preparations.
Lancashire's John Crawley is likely to open the batting with Surrey's Ian Ward while skipper Alleyne has opted to bat at six.
In between there will be Usman Afzaal of Notts, making his first appearance, and the more experienced duo of Aftab Habib of Leicestershire and Solanki.
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