To take or not to take

With half of England's 30-man World Cup squad to be culled before the new year, not everyone can get their hopes up.

So who is sure to go, who might go - and who has little chance?

1. Definites 2. Probables 3. Possibles
4. Outsiders

Definites

Nasser Hussain (Captain): Has no intention of quitting and will lead his side in South Africa.

Michael Vaughan: England's new batting hero will have the hopes of a nation resting on his shoulders.

Andy Caddick: Warhorse opening bowler who will be relied upon to marshal an inexperienced attack.

Alec Stewart: The evergreen gloveman might not last much longer than the World Cup, but England cannot do without him in South Africa.

Ronnie Irani: Gobbled up his recall in the summer with fervour and is now an important part of the mix.

Ashley Giles: England's first-choice spinner; will be fresh after missing most of the Ashes with injury.

Marcus Trescothick: Yet to fire in Australia but is a standing dish at the top of the order. Can keep wicket, too, so England may be tempted to take Stewart as their only 'keeper.

Probables

Robert Key: Has had a mixed introduction to international cricket, but looks to have the faith of the selectors on his side.

Andrew Flintoff: A fit Freddie is sure to be picked, and only a recurrence of his groin injury can prevent that from happening.

Steve Harmison: Could almost be considered a surefire selection after impressing in Australia, but will need to keep up the good work.

Matthew Hoggard: Needs to be given the chance by England to get back into form; if he does, he will go to the World Cup.

Possibles

Nick Knight: Not getting any younger, his hopes will hinge on his efforts in the VB Series.

Owais Shah: Has a golden chance to stake his claim in Australia and could be a surprise inclusion.

Ian Blackwell: Highly regarded by England, a good knock or two from the Somerset thrasher in the VB Series could see him on the plane.

Craig White: Filled the breach admirably in Australia but might need injuries to Flintoff and Irani to make the final cut.

Chris Read: Surprisingly picked ahead of James Foster, he will only be selected if England decide to go with two wicket-keepers.

James Kirtley: Like many others, he can push his own claims by impressing against Australia and Sri Lanka.

James Anderson: Has impressed at the Academy and don't be surprised if England use this raw talent as their wild card.

Jeremy Snape: If England decide to take two spinners, he could find himself in the final 15.

Kabir Ali: Interestingly called-up for VB Series squad and not out the reckoning if he capitalises on the opening.

Paul Collingwood: Not without a chance, but he is in the same category as Craig White.

Outsiders

Darren Stevens: Admirable performer for Leicestershire, but wouldn't appear good enough for the world stage.

Matthew Maynard: The Glamorgan veteran will be lucky to get the chance to add to his four one-day appearances for England.

Vikram Solanki: Cut little ice in eight one-dayers and not likely make in nine.

Anthony McGrath: His name has been mentioned in dispatches, but he has been consistently overlooked by England for some time.

Ryan Sidebottom: Dependable for Yorkshire, but has failed to impress in limited opportunities at international level.

Richard Dawson: Seems to be England's third-choice spinner.

Kyle Hogg: Has bags of talent but 2003 might come one tournament too soon for the 19-year-old Academy member.

Adam Hollioake: Former England captain, but his presence in the provisional squad appears precautionary.

Martin Saggers: Would do a solid job, but if selectors wanted him they would have picked him before now.