This is a side of specialists, based on the one which beat the Australians 3-0 in the Texaco Trophy early in the season, though anyone jumping to the conclusion that this makes England likely winners of the World Cup in 1999, which is the main objective, would be hasty. Australia were ill-prepared and the performance against India, Pakistan and the West Indies in the Middle East will be a better guide.

Managed by David Graveney, they will warm up in Lahore for a week before starting the tournament against India on Dec 11. As expected Adam Hollioake is in charge on the field. Notable changes from earlier in the season are Alistair Brown's reinstatement as the prime dasher among the batsmen at the expense of Graham Lloyd, Dougie Brown's arrival, which is thoroughly deserved after a season in which he has taken 103 wickets in first-class and one-day cricket, not to mention scoring 613 one-day runs. His selection rules out his participation in the World Cup campaign for Scotland.

The return of Graeme Hick is welcome and his performance will be illuminating. He was dropped after the first Test against Pakistan last season and has not appeared in international cricket since. If he could take Sharjah by storm he might yet make a case for a Test return but with eight batsmen in the West Indies party that is unlikely.