Ballance’s star with England is on the rise, says Moxon

The county’s director of cricket feels that Ballance could play an important role in the competition after Cook was axed in favour of new leader Eoin Morgan.

England’s 15-man squad – which also includes another Yorkshire batsman, Joe Root – fly to Australia today in advance of the tournament that takes place in February and March.

They warm up with a one-day tri-series against Australia and India, starting on Friday week, in which Ballance will be looking to advance his claims as the tourists seek to finalise their batting order.

“I can see Gary playing in the World Cup and I think he will do very well if given the chance,” said Moxon.

“I’m pleased for him that he’s back in the squad because he’s shown that he’s good enough to play at that level.

“If you look at his overall 
one-day record, averaging over 50, he’s clearly a very good player and, as long as he’s given the chance, I’m sure he’ll become a regular in the England one-day team.

“He had a great year in Test cricket last year and seems to be going from strength to strength.”

Ballance, 25, was bizarrely omitted from England’s one-day tour to Sri Lanka prior to Christmas, where the tourists were trounced 5-2.

That result, allied to a dreadful sequence with the bat, finally did for Cook – but Ballance’s star is on the rise.

“One of Gary’s greatest strengths is that he can play the situation and has a very good cricket brain,” said Moxon.

“If he needs to rebuild, he can; if he needs to get on with it, he can. He can build at the start and then take people down at the death, which is a great combination.”

England are among the outsiders to win the World Cup, but Moxon believes anything could happen if they reach the knockout stages. “England would have to play at their best to win it but, at their best, they’ve got a chance,” he said.

Moxon on openers: Page 19.