The problems at Derbyshire, where Cork is embroiled in disputes with the committee, was yesterday cited by David Graveney, the chairman of selectors, for Cork's absence from the initial 30-man party for this summer's World Cup. He is the most notable omission from a squad named here in Sydney ahead of today's one-day international against Australia which will be reduced to 19 by the end of February and then the final 15 at the end of March.
``It's fair to admit I'm concerned about the situation with Dominic's county,'' said Graveney. ``I'm sure it had an effect on him during the Ashes series and the late swing that made him such a force is not there as it has been in the past. Dominic Cork firing on all cylinders is an asset to any side and I plan to see him when I get home to talk things through. But the fact is when there are special meetings being called by your county to question the captain it must play on his mind.''
Two years ago Cork missed England's tour of Zimbabwe when he was going through a marriage separation and his attitude on the subsequent New Zealand leg of that tour was considered to be questionable by the England management. Then he was overlooked completely for last year's tour of the West Indies before fighting his way back during the summer. Yet he struggled to make anywhere near as big an impact as on his introduction to the side in 1995 and he became very much a peripheral figure on the Ashes tour.
While Cork is left out there is a surprise and potentially controversial call-up for Yorkshire's Gavin Hamilton who had been expected to feature in Scotland's World Cup party having already make one appearance for the country of his birth against Bangladesh.
Hamilton forced his way into England contention with his performance for Yorkshire last season and was picked for the subsequently abandoned Super Eights tournament in Perth. Then the International Cricket Council decided last week in Christchurch to amend their rules and allow players to play for an associate member country without disqualifying themselves for future consideration by a major nation.
Hamilton's inclusion has been met with some disquiet north of the Border as Scotland can envisage a situation whereby he ends up failing to make the final England 15 and missing the World Cup altogether.
Graveney said: ``Gavin was very impressive both for Yorkshire last year and for us when he played in the one-day warm-up games before this series, so much so that the Aussies asked why he wasn't in our proper party.
``I've explained the new ruling to him and he confirmed to me that he wants to play for England. That's not to say he won't appear for Scotland this summer if he doesn't make our final cut but at the moment he wants to give it his best shot with us. Once he appears for England or England A he is ineligible for Scotland but he wouldn't rule himself out for us by playing for them now.''
Hamilton, however, insisted he only had eyes for England. ``This has come as a total surprise to me,'' he said.
``I didn't have a clue about it until someone told me yesterday. I heard David Graveney had been saying some nice things about my performances but the matches were only friendlies and I didn't think anything of it.
``But I am determined to play for England and this selection just focuses my attention on that. I am not taking too much for granted but naturally I am delighted to be picked.
``I was a bit disappointed that the Super Eights competition was cancelled because it was a chance to show what I can do. But you never know what is likely to happen, it's just so nice to be selected and I'll continue to take things as they come.''
Time, meanwhile, appears to be running out for Graham Thorpe even though he has been named in the 30. A rehabilitation programme for his back injury has been put together by England's medical advisors in conjunction with Surrey and Simon Pack, the ECB international teams director, but Graveney emphasised Thorpe must go to Sharjah in April if he is to play in the World Cup and that no risks will be taken over his fitness.
``We must be convinced about Graham and the same applies to Mike Atherton,'' said Graveney. ``The rules are very strict about replacing injured players once the 15 have been named and I am seeking clarification about whether you can bring in a replacement if someone breaks down with a recurrence of an old injury. Basically, we must be absolutely sure with Graham and take into account all the travelling involved.''
Chris Adams, Graham Lloyd and Andrew Caddick are the other notable absentees from the party but Graveney said it is still possible to bring in players from outside the 30. The final World Cup side will go to Sharjah for a limited-overs tournament in April together with the probability of one or two reserve players.
Even from this distance, however, it is possible to start putting together a possible final party with Angus Fraser having the best chance of those not in Australia of forcing his way back. Warren Hegg is on the list but the chances are that John Crawley, or possibly Mark Alleyne, will be asked to act as Alec Stewart's wicketkeeping deputy.
England's World Cup 30
*A Stewart (Surrey) A Hollioake (Surrey) B Hollioake (Surrey) G Thorpe (Surrey) A Brown (Surrey) M Alleyne (Gloucs) M Atherton (Lancs) I Austin (Lancs) J Crawley (Lancs) N Fairbrother (Lancs) P Martin (Lancs) A Flintoff (Lancs) W Hegg (Lancs). D Brown (Warwicks) A Giles (Warwicks) N Knight (Warwicks) R Croft (Glamorgan) M Ealham (Kent) M Fleming (Kent) D Headley (Kent) A Fraser (Middx) M Ramprakash (Middx) D Gough (Yorks) G Hamilton (Yorks) G Hick (Worcs) N Hussain (Essex) D Maddy (Leics) V Wells (Leics) A Mullally (Leics) B Smith (Leics)