Stewart named as England one-day captain

Matt Scott

Alec Stewart, who faces formal questioning over an Indian bookmaker's allegation that he accepted money for information, was named on Friday as captain of the England one-day squad.

Stewart, who will also lead England in the second test next week against Pakistan in the absence of the injured Nasser Hussain, has denied the allegations.

Chairman of selectors David Graveney told a news conference on Friday he was sure the head of the Anti-Corruption Unit, Paul Condon, would be sympathetic over the timing of his interview.

"I have spoken to Alec in the last few days and as a friend and a colleague I feel for him and his family," Graveney said.

"We are talking about an unsubstantiated allegation that he denied and as far as I am concerned, that is the end of the matter. I have spoken to him over the last 48 hours. I asked how he was and he indicated he was fine."

In a report released on Wednesday Condon said Stewart would be "formally interviewed in the near future by my unit".

Stewart, 38, was appointed England captain in succession to Michael Atherton in 1998 but was replaced by Hussain after leading his country in the unsuccessful 1999 World Cup campaign.

COLLINGWOOD SELECTED
He has been chosen in preference to Graham Thorpe who led England in this year's 3-0 one-day series loss to Sri Lanka.

"We have discussed the captain's role with both Alec Stewart and Graham Thorpe over the last 72 hours," said chairman of selectors David Graveney.

"Alec is happy to take on the extra work load of captaincy in addition to wicket-keeping and opening the batting and we know that Graham, as a senior player, will be keen to help him as much as possible."

Durham batsman Paul Collingwood is selected in an England squad for the first time and Surrey pair Alistair Brown and Ben Hollioake are recalled to the one-day arena.

Graeme Hick, dropped from the test side for the Pakistan series, but a one-day regular over the past 10 years, has been omitted.

"In choosing this squad, we were conscious of the need to identify players who will be candidates for selection for the 2003 World Cup," Graveney added.

"Paul Collingwood and Ben Hollioake are both young players who have enjoyed good early season form. Likewise, Alistair Brown who has been in prime form with the bat and deserves a recall for the international scene.

"Dominic Cork has done well for the side since he returned to test cricket last summer and we feel that he can make an equally important contribution with both bat and ball to the one-day side."

England - Alec Stewart (captain), Alistair Brown, Andrew Caddick, Paul Collingwood, Dominic Cork, Robert Croft, Mark Ealham, Darren Gough, Ben Hollioake, Nick Knight, Alan Mullally, Graham Thorpe, Marcus Trescothick, Michael Vaughan.

Mail Cricket Editor