England bowler Chris Woakes has expressed hope that he will be given the nod with the new ball when his side open up their World Cup campaign against Australia on Saturday.
The 25-year-old impressed during the nine-wicket warm-up win over the West Indies in Sydney, taking 5-19 as West Indies were bowled out for 122.
Woakes, who was given the new ball in all of England's Tri-Series matches but failed to take a wicket, hopes that he has now staked his claim to open the bowling in Melbourne this weekend.
"I'd like to think hopefully it is me [who takes the new ball]," he told the Daily Mail. "I've done it for roughly 10 games or so now. It would be nice to think that I will get the new ball.
"Every time you put on the shirt, whether it is a warm-up game or in the Tri-Series you're trying to do your best for England but your cause as well.
"Fingers crossed I get the new ball. I'm not aware of any changes at the minute."
Warwickshire player Woakes has taken 42 wickets for England in one-day internationals at an average of 32.76.
Steven Toplis
