Stewart to captain of England in the one-dayers

London, May 25:  Alec Stewart was appointed captain on Friday of England's 14-man squad for the one-day cricket series against Pakistan and Australia.

Durham batsman Paul Collingwood won his first international cap and Surrey pair Alistair Brown and Ben Hollioake have been recalled.

Derbyshire's Dominic Cork, who last played one-day cricket for England on the 1996-97 tour of New Zealand, was also included.

Stewart, who will captain England in next week's second test against Pakistan at Old Trafford, will lead the one-day side in the absence of injured skipper Nasser Hussain.

"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 workload 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.

"Alec's appointment as captain will give us continuity following the Old Trafford test match and we were also keen not to disturb Graham's current role in the side as he is in such excellent form at present."

Graveney said selectors were conscious of picking younger players so they could gain experience for the 2003 World Cup.

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