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England to test Nick Knight in South Africa

Our Correspondent

Warwickshire opener Nick Knight is to travel to South Africa next week at the request of the England selectors.

The selectors are keenly watching Knight's recovery from a knee injury before the one-day international tournament in Sharjah next month and have asked for an up-to-date fitness report.

The southpaw will play in the first week of his county's pre-season tour to confirm his recovery from the injury, which troubled him through the recent Test and one-day series in Australia.

The Barmy Army is carrying four injured soldiers. Michael Atherton, Graham Thorpe, Neil Fairbrother and Knight, key members of the squad that will endeavour to win England's maiden World Cup, are all recovering from injuries.

Knight and Atherton will in all probability open the batting for England while Thorpe and Fairbrother are expected to add solidity to the middle order with the in-form Graeme Hick.

England has got to the World Cup final thrice and failed to lift the trophy -- always the bridesmaid, never the bride. But David Graveney and company are leaving no stone unturned in getting the right mix for a shot at the title.