Mark Alleyne has been given a new role by England - as a wicketkeeper-batsman.

Alleyne played in England's last game before the start of the Standard Bank Triangular Tournament on Sunday. In the match against North West, he batted at number 8 and kept wicket. He scored 10 and let no byes in the England win.

Former Gloucestershire player Chris Read was expected to keep for England in the series after Alec Stewart was not selected in the one-day squad. However, Alleyne might play as he is a better batsman, especially if five seamers play which would make wicketkeeping easier.

Alleyne is usually only an emergency wicketkeeper but last winter in Australia he was used in some games as keeper.