GRAEME Hick hopes to make a winning send-off for Worcestershire tomorrow before embarking on a sustained spell of England duty.

Hick is due to lead the County in their top-of-the-table Norwich Union Division One clash with Somerset Sabres at Taunton (1pm).

However, providing he is selected for the second Test against West Indies at Lord's next week, Hick's only appearance for the County in the next five weeks is likely to be the fourth round NatWest Trophy tie at Leicestershire on July 5.

After that, the Worcestershire captain and his County colleague Vikram Solanki will be on England one-day duty against Zimbabwe and the West Indies.

County coach Bill Athey said: "We are going to miss players all over the shop for the next few weeks. It is obviously to our disadvantage but our good young lads who are trying to get into the side will have a chance to get in and stake a claim."

The County will be glad to have Hick available tomorrow as they bid for a sixth successive league win and try to stretch their lead to eight points at the expense of their nearest rivals.

They are likely to stick with the side that beat holders Gloucestershire in the NatWest Trophy third round on Wednesday, with paceman Duncan Catterall and spinner Matt Rawnsley also in the squad.

Ryan Driver keeps his place following his match-winning innings of 61no to see off Gloucestershire.

Somerset lost their 100 per cent record when they were beaten by Northamptonshire last weekend.

Athey added: "It is a huge game. They have a game in hand but if we win we can put a bit of clear water between us and them."