Graeme Hick's England commitments could force him to stand down as Worcestershire captain for the 2001 season.

After being appointed to replace Tom Moody last summer, Hick was awarded a central contract by the England and Wales Cricket Board and as a result missed half the season at New Road. He offered to stand down then but was asked to continue by the Club.

Steve Rhodes stepped into his shoes while he was absent but now all-rounder David Leatherdale is favourite to take the helm if the county decides against re-appointing Hick, who is currently in Pakistan with England.

Worcestershire were relegated from Division One of the National League and missed out on promotion from Division Two of the county championship.

Worcestershire chairman John Elliott is clearly unhappy with the current situation and described last season as 'the worst I've experienced in 20 years on the committee.'

He said: "Graeme is an obvious choice as captain for this club, but with central contracts he was only really here for a third of last season.

"I think Graeme feels, as well as we do, that it's not an ideal situation, so we are looking at what we can do in the best interests of the club.

"We have spoken to Graeme in Pakistan and before he went. He knows our feelings and we know his and he fully understands the situation.''

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