Cork recalled to England squad

England today recalled Dominic Cork into their squad for Saturday's NatWest Series final against India and gave him another chance to demonstrate his credentials for next year's World Cup.

Derbyshire captain Cork was named today as a replacement for Sussex fast bowler James Kirtley, who broke his right hand training at Old Trafford last Saturday and is expected to be sidelined for up to six weeks.

Cork will team up with the rest of the squad for training at Lord's on Thursday and will be in contention for a place in the final line-up, particularly on a ground where he has enjoyed considerable success at Test level.

Chairman of selectors David Graveney explained: "If the weather remains unsettled for the final and we wish to field a seam-based attack, we will require cover in this area as a result of the injury to James.

"Dominic continues to be in fine form for his county and if he is called upon to play on Saturday, his 'big-match' experience at international level will serve him in good stead."

Cork returns to England's one-day plans just a year after ending a four-year wait for further one-day international recognition when he was selected for the corresponding triangular tournament against Australia and Pakistan.

He played in all but one of England's six games, all of which were lost, but was discarded after that and his chances of featuring in England's World Cup plans seemed slim.

Today's call-up, though, underlines England's belief that he can still play a part in their World Cup campaign and gives him a chance to secure a place in South Africa.

"I'm delighted the selectors have recognised that I have a role to play as a one-day player and it will be tremendous to be involved with the squad in the run-up to a Lord's final," said Cork.

"Lord's has been a happy ground for me in the past and I feel that I've been batting and bowling well this summer. If I do make the final XI on Saturday, it will be a good opportunity for me to show what I can do especially as there's a World Cup coming up this winter."

Cork's late call-up means he will be unavailable for Derbyshire's championship match against Durham at Darlington starting today and he will instead travel to London to join up with the rest of the squa