Alec Stewart takes on Sussex tomorrow determined to start turning up the heat on England's rookie wicketkeeper James Foster.

Surrey stumper Stewart, 39, made himself unavailable for the Test series in India this winter and subsequently missed the one-day series and tour of New Zealand that followed.

In his absence, Essex wicketkeeper Foster, 22, rode through some torrid times and has subsequently been rewarded with one of England's 11 central contracts this summer.

Now, having used his inactivity to have surgery on his troublesome elbows, Stewart enters his 22nd season of county cricket with his focus firmly on a return to the international arena.

Surrey host Sussex in the Championship opener at The Oval, starting tomorrow, with Stewart raring to go.

He said: "I still believe I am good enough to play for England but the people who will decide on that will be the selectors.

"I would like to play both styles of cricket, either as a batsman or a wicketkeeper batsman.

"It's always been a huge honour to play for my country and that has not changed at all.

"The record is pretty impressive and the selectors have seen what I can do. They have seen that for the last 12 years."

Chairman of selectors David Graveney informed Stewart he was not going to be awarded a central contract this year while the pair were in Perth, Australia for Ben Hollioake's funeral.

The faith of the selectors has remained with Foster, a considerably younger model.

Yet Stewart, always one to keep himself fit, insists he remains at the peak of his game.

He said: "For me age doesn't come into it. If you are good enough you get picked.

"In a way the six months I have had away from the game may have done me some good as it's the first winter I have had off in 20 years."

Surrey have confirmed Mark Butcher will captain the side until the first Test against Sri Lanka at Lord's, which starts on May 16.

County captain Adam Hollioake has been given as long as he needs to return to the club following the death of his brother.

As yet it is unclear as to when he will return from Australia or start playing again for that matter.

He has remained with parents John and Daria in Perth, where Ben's girlfriend Janaya Scholten is still recovering from the injuries sustained in the car crash.

Surrey coach Keith Medlycott said: "We are in very close contact with Adam and have some potential dates we are looking at at the moment.

"Surrey's position is one of understanding and it is a situation very few people will be able to comprehend.

"As and when Adam feels fit to play professional cricket he will return."

Robin Martin-Jenkins has given Sussex a boost by declaring himself fit for tomorrow's opener.

The all-rounder has been suffering from a slight Achilles problem for nearly three weeks, but he came through a rigorous fitness test at Hove yesterday.

Sussex have named a 12-man squad and are likely to play four seamers, including new signing Paul Hutcheson.

They also have the option of playing an extra batsman.

Tim Ambrose, who has been in good form in pre-season, is included and may get his opportunity.

Tony Cottey is poised to play his first championship game for nearly a year after recovering from winter surgery to cure tennis elbow.

Sussex (from): Montgomerie, Goodwin, Adams, Cottey, Yardy, Ambrose, Martin-Jenkins, Prior, Davis, Hutcheson, Lewry, Kirtley.