(COLOMBO) Alec Stewart continued to set the example for England players of all ages as they struggled to acclimatise in searing heat and humidity for the ICC Champions Trophy.

England huffed and puffed through a tough three-hour net and fitness session on Sunday in preparation for Monday's practice game against Bangladesh at the NCC ground and their Champions Trophy opener against Zimbabwe on Wednesday.

A first taste of Sri Lankan conditions proved a shock to the system for Stewart's Surrey team-mate Rikki Clarke, who passed out during England's first net session on day two of this short tour.

The 20-year-old all-rounder was quickly back on an even keel and in the nets pushing himself hard along with his new international colleagues.

Stewart, very nearly twice Clarke's age, was showing no signs of losing his equilibrium as he lived up to his reputation as the fittest man in the squad with a series of punishing work-outs - and he still had time for a quip at his young teammate's expense.

''He behaved a bit more like a northerner than a southerner really,'' he joked.

''He probably went at it a bit too hard with a bit of nerves, and it made him a little bit sick.''

Clarke's unfortunate experience was a lesson for one and all in conditions which Stewart describes as the toughest world cricket has to offer.

''It is foreign to us. We were here two years ago - but none of us are used to it.

Stewart has every incentive to ensure he keeps up his high standards, having earned a new 12-month England contract on the back of a string of impressive performances with bat and gloves this summer after returning to the fold when James Foster broke his arm.

That means he is number one choice as England's wicketkeeper-batsman for the Ashes and World Cup in this highest-profile of cricketing winters as well as for seven Tests and a string of one-day internationals next summer.

Even so, he is taking nothing for granted.

''Just because you have a contract does not mean you are necessarily going to play,'' he said.

''I have always set myself these goals. When you get towards the end of your career those goals are slightly shorter.

''Two years ago I wanted to be involved in the Ashes series at home. Then when I achieved that I said I wanted to be involved in this Ashes series and the World Cup.

''I have a contract to play next summer and I want to do that as well.''

Stewart is undoubtedly still up to the job when it comes to fitness - but he believes the mind has to be right as well as the body.

''The important things are how you are feeling, how you are playing and the enjoyment factor,'' he said.

''If all those three are there then is no reason to give it away. You are a long time retired.''

Stewart is one of a clutch of obvious picks in England's likely side to face Zimbabwe at the Premadasa Stadium on Wednesday.

Injury absences have created several imponderables, for example, over whether to risk the likes of the inexperienced Clarke or Ian Blackwell in a tournament England insist they are here to win.

It is hoped Monday's low-profile practice match against Bangladesh - in which each member of the 14-strong squad is likely to play some part - will answer some of those questions facing captain Nasser Hussain and coach Duncan Fletcher.

15 Sep, 2002