England began their preparations for this week's decisive Test against Sri Lanka today facing a crucial dilemma about whether to stick with a winning line-up or drop Graeme Hick.

The Worcestershire batsman has retained his place in England's team on this leg of the winter schedule despite competition from Michael Vaughan.

But after another disappointing display during the three-wicket victory in Kandy which levelled the series, England may now reconsider Hick's position.

Since regaining his place in the side for last summer's fourth Test against West Indies at Headingley, Hick has averaged only 15.53 and has scored just 126 runs in his 10 Test innings this winter.

Coach Duncan Fletcher has attempted to keep faith largely on the strength of Hick's crucial 40 which helped seal the memorable victory over Pakistan at Karachi in December.

But the signs are that England are fast losing patience with their greatest enigma.

"We look at every situation," revealed Fletcher when asked about the possibility of changing a winning side.

"If you had to make a decision you wouldn't normally change a winning team, but we'll sit down and analyse what the next team is all about."

Vaughan, sidelined for all the tour to Pakistan with calf trouble, has waited patiently for his chance in Sri Lanka and impressed in the early tour matches with a half-century and seven wickets with his improving off-spin.

The tourists, though, may be forced to field both players in Thursday's final Test at the Sinhalese Cricket Club if captain Nasser Hussain is ruled out with the groin trouble he sustained during the second Test.

Hussain looked comfortable enough during this morning's net session but physiotherapist Dean Conway admitted: "He won't be 100 per cent for the Test so we'll leave the decision until the morning of the match to give him as much time as possible to improve."