KENT'S opening batsman David Fulton has revealed he has been placed on stand-by for England's tour to India next month. The 29-year-old says he has been told informally that, should Marcus Trescothick decide against the trip, he will be called in as a replacement.

Trescothick is one of the five selected players who asked for more time to make their decision in the wake of the United States's military action in Afghanistan.

Fulton said: "I have been told informally I'm on stand-by for the opening batsmen positions. If Marcus doesn't go I presume I'll be going but stranger things have happened."

But Fulton stressed: "I don't want to be selected on unfortunate circumstances but you have got to take your chances."

Trescothick, along with fellow doubters Andy Caddick, Ashley Giles, Craig White and Robert Croft, are expected to make their decisions this week.