The VB Series in Australia was supposed to be an opportunity for England to fine-tune tactics ahead of the World Cup, beginning in February.

Batty's selection raised eyebrows

But instead the tourists have drafted in several new faces for the tournament against Australia and Sri Lanka.

And, when the England's provisional squad for the World Cup was announced on Saturday, several critics were quick to pick up on inconsistencies.

Riddled by injury, England have kept with their policy of selecting younger players, like Lancashire all-rounder Kyle Hogg.

But the 36-year-old Matthew Maynard found himself with a place due to his ability to provide cover for the wicketkeepers.

Others unlikely to figure in the final 15 include county stalwarts such as Yorkshire all-rounder Anthony McGrath and Kent seamer Martin Saggers.

With Jeremy Snape and Ashley Giles out of action, the selectors have turned to spinner Gareth Batty - not included in the World Cup list - over Richard Dawson, who is.

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Raymond Illingworth
Former chairman of selectors
speaking to BBC Sport Online

I picked Matthew Maynard and I always thought he was a very good cricketer but that was six or seven years ago.

He's 36 now and if the amount of money that's being ploughed into academies and the national set-up hasn't produced better young batsmen then questions have to be asked.

Some things have puzzled me like bringing in Gareth Batty when Richard Dawson's already with the squad.

At this stage Dawson should bowling as many overs as possible.

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John Derrick
Glamorgan coach
speaking to the Daily Telegraph

Derrick says Croft should have had a chance

It is an inexcusable decision not to pick Robert Croft after his outstanding one-day performances last season, which helped Glamorgan win the Norwich Union League First Division title.

Duncan Fletcher has said he wants experienced players for the World Cup.

Yet Croft, who has played 50 one-day internationals and has a shrewd cricket brain, has been overlooked.

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Chris Adams
Former England batsman
speaking to BBC Five Live

From my point of view the selections look pretty random.

There's a lot of youngsters in there who maybe been put in there to please a few people.

At the moment they're plucking youngsters from left, right and centre who have no or very little experience in one-day cricket.

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With the World Cup just three months away, England's preparations look as far from complete as they have done for some time.

Both Nasser Hussain and Duncan Fletcher will be crossing their fingers that younger players can produce performances that belie their inexperience.

A repeat performance of the 1999 World Cup debacle would bring an even stronger spotlight on the England management.