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World Cup: England recall Gary Ballance as Ben Stokes and Alastair Cook miss out

Image: Gary Ballance: Averages just over 26 in ODI cricket

Gary Ballance has been recalled to a 15-man England World Cup squad that includes neither Ben Stokes nor outgoing captain Alastair Cook.

Cook's fate was sealed once Eoin Morgan's appointment as the new one-day skipper was decided at Friday's selection meeting, while all-rounder Stokes pays the price for a recent record of four wickets and 84 runs in eight games.

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England managing director Paul Downton says the series defeat to Sri Lanka was the tipping point for Alastair Cook

England's selectors have instead opted to recall Test batsman Ballance, the Yorkshire left-hander who averages a little over 26 in 12 ODIs and was dropped for the recent 5-2 series defeat in Sri Lanka.

Cook, Stokes and left-arm seamer Harry Gurney miss out from that touring party as senior fast bowlers Stuart Broad and James Anderson return for next month's tri-series against Australia and India and the World Cup a month later.

National selector James Whitaker told Sky Sports News HQ: "Gary Ballance has been identified as a world-class player for the future in all forms of the game.

"He's been earmarked as a squad player and possible first-team player for a number of months and we believe he's a fantastic option for the coaches.

Gary Ballance has been identified as a world-class player for the future in all forms of the game
National selector James Whitaker

"I've spoken to Ben Stokes at length and he's obviously very disappointed. It's always going to be tricky as a new player establishing yourself - it's consistency we're looking for and we're sure that will arrive with Ben. he's definitely a player for the future."

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Whitaker also expressed confidence Broad and Anderson would return from their knee injuries in good shape and said Kevin Pietersen was not considered for selection.

The 15th place in the squad appeared to be a straight fight between Stokes and Ian Bell, who has gone eight games without passing 50 and was dropped after two matches in Sri Lanka.

Pole position

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England selector James Whitaker says Alastair Cook is very disappointed with the news that he's been dropped

James Taylor impressed as his replacement and is in pole position to go into the new year as England's No 3 behind an opening pair of Alex Hales and Moeen Ali.

That would leave Bell in reserve, and Bob Willis expects Ballance to fill a similar role.

He told Sky Sports News HQ: "With Ballance probably coming into the squad late on, how is he going to get enough cricket to really stake a case for himself?

"I would see in the tri-series Ballance and Ian Bell as the reserve batsmen and possibly Chris Jordan and Chris Woakes as the reserve bowlers."

England squad: Morgan (c), Ali, Anderson, Ballance, Bell, Bopara, Broad, Buttler, Finn, Hales, Jordan, Root, Taylor, Tredwell, Woakes.

England's opening tri-series game against Australia is live on Sky Sports 2 from 3am on January 16, and their World Cup campaign begins against the same opposition, live on Sky Sports 2, on February 14.

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