The 34-year-old was dropped for the third Test in Sri Lanka and the ECB's decision means Michael Vaughan will be a regular in the side this summer, providing he maintains good form and fitness.

Hick's cause has not been helped by the fact that England decided to pick only six batsmen, one less than last year.

Initially it is likely to be that spot which Hick will chase if England decide to go into a Test with seven batsmen.

And the chairman of selectors David Graveney is not ruling anyone out

"There are a lot of people in the market, lots of contestants for that position, young and experienced", he said.

"The selectors took on board the observation from last time that we were overloaded with batsmen and the aims of central contracts is the protection and control of the bowlers."

There is also hope for Hick, in that he remains a leading member of the one-day side and could be called up if any of the first-choice players are injured.

"I would never say about anybody that a line has been put through their name There are still plenty of opportunities for other people to be involved," Graveney insisted.

Central contracts were first awarded last year, giving the ECB control over which matches the players can take part in for their counties.

But the selectors are still free to choose players from outside the pool for the Test matches.

Robert Croft has also missed out on a contract because England expect to play only one spinner in the Tests and slow left-armer Ashley Giles is first choice.

Graveney paid tribute to Croft's "excellent performances with bat and ball" in Sri Lanka and confirmed that the Welshman remains in their thoughts.

Cork question mark

Yorkshire fast bowler Matthew Hoggard has been included in the 12-man list after impressing in Pakistan and Sri Lanka, even though he did not make the Test team.

And there is also a place for Derbyshire's Dominic Cork, despite his early return from Pakistan because of a back injury.