Darren would like to make it clear that he has not decided to retire from one-day international cricket and the selectors fully understand his reasons.

It will not be easy - but he's done it before and he is the right guy.

One-day international cricket is now an international phenomena as a result of Kerry Packer.

Ian Blackwell is a talented player who performed well in the one-day series in Pakistan and this is a terrific opportunity for him to show that he can fulfil his potential against top class opposition.

Darren asked the selectors not to consider him for the tour of Pakistan for personal reasons and we respected his wishes. With Liam Plunkett and James Anderson performing well in Pakistan and Simon Jones now available for selection again, the selectors feel the priority is for these players to gain as much experience of one-day cricket as possible ahead of the World Cup.

When I decided to retire, I decided I couldn't stand it if I went out a loser,