Vikram Solanki to replace Knight

Warwickshire batsman Nick Knight has been ruled out of England's squad for the ICC knockout trophy tournament in Kenya next week and the one-day series in Pakistan next month. Knight failed a fitness test on the knee injury on Monday, not fully recovered from surgery on a torn cartilage, and his place will be taken by Worcestershire's Vikram Solanki.

Chairman of selectors David Graveney said: "It is a big blow losing both Nick and Alan Mullally. They are both consistent one-day performers and have been an integral part of our one-day set-up for the last few years. But their absence gives opportunities for other people."

Solanki, 24, was a member of England's limited overs set-up this summer and will fly out to Nairobi with the rest of the one-day squad on Thursday.

Graveney added: "Nick is an important member of our one-day squad and this is deeply disappointing news for all concerned.

"Although Nick's injury is not a long-term one, we felt it would be too much of a risk to retain him in the squad for Kenya and Pakistan in case of further injuries to other players.

"Vikram Solanki made a good impression with the one-day squad in South Africa and Zimbabwe last winter and this presents him with a further opportunity to establish himself at senior level."

Knight damaged his left knee when he fell awkwardly in a National League match against Durham. Although the operation seemed to have been a success, the knee swelled up again last week and as Knight was unlikely to be 100 per cent fit for the opening game of the ICC tournament against Bangladesh on October 5, England decided against including him in the travelling party.

"I'm massively disappointed and frustrated," admitted Knight.

"I've been in good form all summer. I started the season in the Test team, but just recently I have had to sit and watch too much cricket.

"The knee swelled up a bit last week, but I had the fluid drained off and I thought it was looking pretty good.

"I did some running on it yesterday and the decision was delayed to see if I suffered any reaction.

"There wasn't any reaction at all this morning, but as I probably wouldn't have been 100 percent fit for the first game in Kenya they've decided not to risk me."

A decision on whether Knight will take his place in England's squad for the one-day internationals in Sri Lanka in 2001 will be taken after the Pakistan series.

Mail Cricket Editor