LONDON, Aug 12: David Graveney will accompany England on tour for the first time in his decade as chairman of selectors.

The ECB will ask Graveney to be part of the touring group for this winter's trips to Sri Lanka and New Zealand. In the past he has been present for parts of tours but has always had to make his own travel arrangements and has never been part of the selection process.

Selection matters have been left to a tour committee consisting of the coach, the captain and senior players. That came to a head last winter when it was reported that there was a split in the group over whether to pick Ashley Giles or Monty Panesar and Geraint Jones or Chris Read.

In the end Duncan Fletcher, the coach, got his way for the start of the series.—Agencies