WORCESTERSHIRE are awaiting further details about the introduction of central contracts for England players which could affect the likes of New Road stars Graeme Hick and Vikram Solanki.

The contracts for the coming campaign means England can dictate to counties when their Test performers can play for their clubs in first-class cricket.

County secretary Mike Vockins said today: "We have gone along with all the other counties with the principle of central contracts with the intention of ensuring England cricket is given the best opportunity. All first-class counties, of course, benefit from having a strong England team."

He added that Worcester-shire were still awaiting further details about how the contracts would work, but indications are that they would be awarded to only a small number of players.

It has also been made clear that the players affected would be able to play for their counties between Test matches.

Former Worcestershire paceman Jim Cumbes, now Lancashire's chief executive, said: "We don't fully know yet how it's going to work out, it's difficult to say, but I think when we voted it in that we would have to abide by it, however reluctantly.

"It means now that when they say Andy Flintoff needs a rest we'll have to leave him out, but we have assisted England in the past by resting Michael Atherton at crucial times.

"I suppose the difference is what before was more of a gentleman's agreement is now stricter. We'd always like to be playing our best players, but if England want him we'll say okay.

"I realise this might not go down with all the members, but we have to accept the new rule."