ENGLAND CONTRACTS New contracts: Steve Harmison Matthew Hoggard Simon Jones Graham Thorpe Existing contracts: James Anderson Mark Butcher Paul Collingwood Andrew Flintoff Ashley Giles Nasser Hussain Michael Vaughan Marcus Trescothick

Bowlers Steve Harmison, Matthew Hoggard and Simon Jones and batsman Graham Thorpe have been rewarded for their efforts in the Caribbean.

They join eight team-mates already on central contracts, but coach Duncan Fletcher believes 12 is not enough.

"I think it's important we have a squad of anything between 16 and 20 players," Fletcher commented.

"The first thing I had to establish was whether we had permission to give contracts to 16 to 20 players and when that wasn't granted it was pointless asking for anybody else.

"What I've been driving for ever since I became coach is a squad of that size, but the ECB finances wouldn't allow it."

After the tour of the West Indies ends England face a home series with New Zealand in May, followed by a return meeting with Brian Lara's side.

Chairman of selectors David Graveney said: "The team now faces a busy period of international cricket this summer and all four players will have an important part to play in our plans."

Harmison made his feelings known when he was snubbed for a 12-month contract in September.

Is it right that the ECB are going round extending the number of central contracts at the moment? From Andy Edwards Have your say on TMS

He said at the time he would use his frustration to prove he was a world class bowler during the winter tour.

And he duly delivered, winning the Man of the Series Award in the West Indies for taking 23 wickets.

His coach at Durham, Martyn Moxon, said: "Stephen is proving what a great bowler he is and the contract is justification for all the effort he has been putting in.

"The downside for Durham, is that we are unlikely to see much of him this year."

The eight centrally contracted players are James Anderson, Mark Butcher, Paul Collingwood, Andrew Flintoff, Ashley Giles, Nasser Hussain, Michael Vaughan and Marcus Trescothick.