11.   Opening batsman Matthew Elliott said he would be thrilled to represent Australia in Malaysia if the opportunity arose.

12.   Opening batsman Sherwin Campbell and one-day specialist Carl Hooper also are expected to sit out the match in Wollongong.

13.   Pakistan opening batsman Aamir Sohail will miss the four-day cricket match against Tasmania starting here Thursday after injuring himself when he slipped in a change rooms.

14.   Pakistan opening batsman Aamir Sohail will miss the opening World Series limited-overs final Saturday after being suspended Friday for dissent in a match against Australia.

15.   Out-of-form Bell has been replaced by Lou Vincent, who will make his test debut in the unusual role of opening batsman.

16.   Pace bowler Dominic Cork and opening batsman Mark Butcher, who played in the Ashes series in Australia, are the biggest names missing from the squad.

17.   After a brilliant career as opening batsman and captain of England, Graham Gooch now wants to be chairman of the selectors who pick the team.

18.   Aamer Sohail, an aggressive opening batsman and useful slow left arm bowler, was named vice-captain.

19.   Alec Stewart retains his position as opening batsman, as Nick Knight is still not completely fit after suffering a hand injury in the victorious first Test.

20.   And if Atherton is chosen, Hollioake added, it would be in his usual position as opening batsman.