Graham Napier jets off to today as part of the England A squad to tour Malaysia and India.

The Essex all-rounder has spent the winter at the new ECB National Academy at Loughborough University and will join his 13 fellow students, as well as Kent batsman Ed Smith, on the trip to Asia.

Napier's selection is a further reward for a consistent 2003 season for the county.

His game progressed in leaps and bounds with his most impressive performance coming in the one-day game, although he also made a career-best 89 not out in the County Championship.

He was the leading wicket-taker in Division One of the National Cricket League, helping Essex finish third.

The 24-year-old will be part of the England A set-up which plays in three one-day fixtures against India A, as well as playing in India's first-class competition, the Dunleep Trophy.

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Published Monday January 19, 2004

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