Stewart handed way back

Stewart is vastly experienced in one-day cricket

England's chairman of selectors, David Graveney, has given every indication that Alec Stewart could still appear in next year's World Cup.

Graveney, in an interview with the Mail on Sunday, said he had spoken to Stewart at the memorial service for Ben Hollioake in Perth.

"He re-affirmed his desire to get back in the national team in both forms of cricket," said Graveney of the Surrey man who will soon be 39.

"Alec is in the frame, no doubt about it. The operation he had on his elbows was a success.

"James Foster is a young guy, just starting his career. We not only have to plan for the long term and the short term, but we also have to give England the best opportunity to win every game."

Alec is keen to play, fit and training hard. His appetite is there and he wants to get back.

Graveney on Stewart

Foster has shown up well in the Test match arena, where his batting has been promising, though Graveney concedes: "He didn't have too good a game in Wellington - young keepers are bound to drop some catches."

The Essex youngster - an undergraduate at Durham - is still considered likely to be England's first choice wicket-keeper for the first Test at home to Sri Lanka, on 16 May.

But in the one-day arena, Stewart could have a part to play still, even though most professional cricketers retire before reaching his age.

Graveney said: "In one-day cricket we believe, and James would accept, that his batting is a bit limited. Down there at number eight or nine you've got to have someone who can get runs quickly.

"Alec is keen to play, fit and training hard. His appetite is there and he wants to get back."