Croft likely to pay price for absence

Robert Croft looks set to pay the price for missing the recent tour to India by being overlooked when the squad for the New Zealand Test series is announced today.

England's selectors will end a fortnight of deliberations by naming a 16-man party for the three-Test series, which begins on 13 March in Christchurch and follows one-day series in India and New Zealand over the coming weeks.

Croft was originally picked in the party for this winter's tours but, like the fast bowler Andrew Caddick, declined to travel to India because of security fears.

In his absence, Ashley Giles played a leading role in the final two Tests while Richard Dawson also showed great promise. With a maximum of two spinners likely to be taken to New Zealand, Croft is almost certain to miss out while Martyn Ball, his replacement in India, is poised to make way for Caddick's return.

If Croft is overlooked, it is unlikely to come as a shock to him after warnings of the danger of another player coming in and taking his chance. Caddick will not suffer the same consequences, however, having indicated his willingness to appear on the second leg of the winter itinerary.