Big name to make way for Bairstow

The England captain insists, however, the selection “headache” is no hardship and merely a sign of the strength and depth in his country’s cricket.

Cook’s side begin their bid, at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in the first of five one-day internationals, to follow up the 3-0 home victory over India in last month’s NatWest Series.

Such has been the impression made by Bairstow, in a match-winning debut in Cardiff and then with an astounding 53-ball hundred in England’s second warm-up win here, it will be a significant shock if he is left out.

That leaves the only feasible alternatives to miss the series opener as Ian Bell, Kevin Pietersen or Jonathan Trott.

Since Pietersen’s role was already being publicly factored into England’s gameplan by the captain at his press conference yesterday afternoon, and Trott’s career statistics are so compelling, Bell is the obvious fall guy.

It will appear harsh on whoever is omitted, but Cook is accentuating the positive element to his and coach Andy Flower’s dilemma. “What a great position to be in,” he said. “It’s not just this 15 – there are other players who are pushing as well.

“As a captain and as a coach to select a side, you want these headaches. Yes, they are headaches and it’s going to be a tough call. But you would rather have to make that call.”

Cook gave such a ringing endorsement of Bairstow’s credentials, following his latest eye-catching innings, that the 22-year-old Yorkshireman must be a strong favourite to be included.

“He played really well, didn’t he?” said Cook. “It was a really good knock, but I think the whole batting line-up played well. He finished it off nicely. He has shown us at Cardiff that he can be a very special player. He hits the ball hard and can clear the ropes. It is a great place for him to make a name for himself.”

Quizzed specifically on the whys and wherefores of selecting Bell or Pietersen, Cook answered carefully – yet seemed already to have given the game away when he nominated who will bat at No 3 in variable circumstance.

“The answer is trying to pick a side that has the best chance to win a game – and that’s what we will do,” he said. “Between any of the 15, that’s the idea.

“In the Sri Lanka series, I can’t remember whether I was the pinch-hitter or Kiesy [Craig Kieswetter]. But KP goes in (at three) if Kiesy gets out, and that’s what we did then.”

India are still missing a clutch of injured superstars ahead of today’s match, including Sachin Tendulkar, at a ground where they have often faltered themselves. But their captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni believes there have been glimpses of a successful future for the World Cup holders, even in last month’s series defeat.

“The performance of the batsmen was very impressive in England, especially in the ODI series,” said Dhoni. “We have a different set of bowlers, who will get an opportunity in home conditions to show what kind of talent they have.

“Most of them have IPL experience, so they have a fair idea of what needs to be done when the batsman is going after them.

“It’s very difficult to replace the senior players, but most of the youngsters are very talented.”