Fletcher reasonably certain of Test line-up

England coach Duncan Fletcher says he is reasonably certain who will be in the team for the First Test against Sri Lanka at Galle starting on February 22.

There is just one place up for grabs in the middle order and it looks like a straight fight between Graeme Hick and Michael Vaughan, although it is possible both could play if one of the seamers is left out.

Both players are in the team for the four-day match against a Sri Lankan Board President's XI starting tomorrow in Matara. Hick faces a late fitness test on a calf injury sustained in training.

Speaking about the line-up for the Test, Fletcher said: "I think we've made our minds up but we want to have another look. We're pretty certain at which way we're going but we'll have to see what happens."

One player who won't be involved in the Test is off spinner Jason Brown who has been left out of tomorrow's game. That means Brown, inexperienced at this level, is the only member of the touring party yet to feature in a match.

Providing England stick with convention and field two spinners, Robert Croft knows he will be Ashley Giles' slow-bowling partner.

Fletcher said: "Robert Croft can bat and we do like all-rounders in our team. He's also been there before, he's an experienced player.

"If we decided to put someone in on a turning wicket it would be very difficult because there would be a lot of pressure for someone who has not played Test cricket before.

"It is difficult to judge spin bowlers in the nets, but Jason looks as if he turns the ball a lot and has control. But we have to see when there's pressure on him with men around the bat and a good batter at the crease to see if that control is maintained."

Fletcher continued: "Players not being involved in games has happened before on other tours. If we played Jason Brown what would that tell us about him?

"The standard of cricket is very different between first-class and Test matches and if he got two or three wickets and was thrown in like other spinners have been against quality batsmen he could get whacked around and labelled as someone who can't bowl. We have to be careful how we handle him."