GRAEME Hick has set his sights on repaying the faith shown in him by Nasser Hussain and Duncan Fletcher as he strives for an incredible ninth England Test comeback against Zimbabwe and the West Indies this summer.

Many pundits thought new Worcestershire skipper Hick was finally going to be consigned to the history books -- at least in terms of Test cricket -- after he was overlooked for the winter series in South Africa.

He appeared to have been made one of the scapegoats after England's early World Cup exit and a one-off Test comeback against New Zealand last summer seemed destined to be his swansong in the five-day game.

But Hick was given a lifeline via his inclusion in the one-day squad for the triangular tournament in South Africa followed by the four-match series in Zimbabwe last month.

He responded with a series of impressive scores after a shaky start and then came the huge tonic for Hick of being named one of the 12 England players centrally contracted to the ECB.

Now 33, Hick is determined to justify the belief shown by skipper Hussain and coach Fletcher by forcing his way back into the Test side.

Hick said: "I was pleasantly surprised to get the England contract. I had set out to do well enough in the one-dayers in South Africa and Zimbabwe to try and get back to where I want to be -- in the Test team.

"I've got a few years left in me yet as a professional cricketer and I'd like to spend a few of them playing Test cricket.

"With a new captain and a new coach, the slate is pretty clean for everyone. They have different ideas and different impressions of people so I was delighted to be given the contract.

"It's up to me now to repay that little bit of faith they have shown in me.

"If I start the season well for Worcestershire, then hopefully I'll have a good chance of playing in the first Test and then it's up to me."