WORCESTERSHIRE could be without Phil Jaques in September if he is called into the Australia squad for their rearranged one-day series in Zimbabwe and the ensuing Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa.
Jaques remains on the fringes of both Australia's Test and one-day sides despite being omitted from the World Cup squad after an indifferent domestic one-day season for his state New South Wales this winter.
The 27-year-old scored 251 Ford Ranger Cup runs at 25.1 in 10 innings - way below his overall first-class batting average of 57.68.
Cricket Australia are set to replace about one-third of the current players when their 25-man contract list for 2007-08 is finalised after the current World Cup campaign and Jaques is one of the names in contention for a new deal, according to national selector David Boon.
"Phil Jaques is a very good player who has played for both Australia and Australia A'," Boon said.
"Depending on form, he is in line for selection but we cannot give any player guarantees."
Base contracts for Australian international players range from £80,000 to £300,000 for the highest earner - Ricky Ponting.
Jaques has scored only 125 runs in his previous six limited overs internationals at an average of 20.83.
The left-hander looked in good touch during Worcestershire's opening LV County Championship game of the season, hitting 97 in the second innings of their 241-run defeat to Durham at New Road.
With his overseas batting ace already in good touch, Worcestershire's director of cricket Steve Rhodes has decided to blood a few of his youngsters in tomorrow's three-day game against Loughborough UCCE (11am).
Jaques will make way for Daryl Mitchell at the top of the order, while Moeen Ali will clinch his first team debut and Richard Jones is also in the XI.
Rhodes said: "We do not take the university teams lightly and when we played Lough-borough two years ago, they beat us so there will be plenty to play for in this game.
"We will use the game to give a few batsmen the chance to have some time at the crease and for the bowlers to get some overs under their belts."
Injured paceman Matt Ma-son has been named as 12th man, but Rhodes admits the seamer is still a while away from match fitness.
Rhodes added: "Matt is still continuing his rehab but is still probably a couple of weeks away from returning to full fitness.
"He will be 12th man and have a bit of a run around, but he is not ready to bowl yet."
Worcestershire's next competitive outing will be against Leicestershire in the Friends Provident Trophy at New Road on Sunday when they will be looking to follow up their impressive opening win against Lancashire at Old Trafford.
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