Cook ever closer to World Cup captaincy

Alastair Cook, whose worth as a one-day batsman and captain has been forever under scrutiny, moved a step closer to leading England in the World Cup when he was named at the top of their 30-strong squad for the tournament in Australia and New Zealand.

The long list of 30 will be reduced to 15 soon after the tour of Sri Lanka, although even that list could potentially be disrupted by injuries as England still face a triangular series against Australia and India in the New Year.

The squad was highly predictable. Jonathan Trott's cagey reintroduction to international cricket - he has been included in England's Lions squad for a tour of South Africa in the New Year - has too much of an uncertain outcome for England to consider him even as a possibility for their World Cup party. Trott left England's tour of Australia early a year ago because of a stress-related condition.

Only two of England's 30 have no international experience; neither James Vince, the Hampshire batsman, not Jack Brooks, Yorkshire's fast bowler, are serious contenders for a place in the final 15.

England have wicketkeeping cover in the form of both Jonny Bairstow and Craig Kieswetter in the 30, but they expected to rely exclusively on Jos Buttler when they draw up their final squad.

Of those in the long list who are expected to miss out, Jason Roy, the electrifying Surrey T20 opener, has most public support, but he remains unproven even in his most prolific form of the game and he will return a crowd favourite only.

Boyd Rankin's presence is also interesting. England are concerned enough about their fast-bowling resources to have resisted an attempt by Ireland to entice him back for the tournament.