The experienced seamers, dropped by England after their first defeat in Hamilton, have been released to their counties to play from the very start of the season.

It gives the pair three weeks off following their return from New Zealand before they start again with their counties both looking to impress coach Peter Moores before the first Test at Lord's on May 15.

Captain Michael Vaughan, who scored only one half-century during the Test series against New Zealand, has also made himself available for Yorkshire from the start of the season to try to find some form.

Andrew Strauss, Ian Bell and Warwickshire wicketkeeper Tim Ambrose are also available from the beginning of the campaign.

Alastair Cook, James Anderson, Monty Panesar, Ryan Sidebottom and Stuart Broad do not report for duty to their counties until a week later, while Kevin Pietersen and Paul Collingwood do not return to action until the start of May.

For more on this story read Thursday's Yorkshire Post...