A new opening: Shikhar Dhawan likely to be included for Champions Trophy

Dhawan enjoyed a record-breaking start to his Test career in the recently concluded Test series of Australia before getting injured. On his return,he has had a good run with his team,Sunrisers Hyderabad,in this season of the IPL. If a back-up opener is included in the squad of 15,it is likely to be a toss up between Ajinkya Rahane,Vijay and Gambhir. Gambhir has scored 241 runs in his last eight ODI innings with his highest being 52. His last three figures score in this format came in July 2012,but the batsman has been among the runs this IPL.

The presence of a host of youngsters in the 30-member probables notwithstanding,the selectors are likely to pick the tried and tested when they meet in Mumbai to finalise the squad for the Champions Trophy that starts on June 6. As with Gambhir,Yuvraj Singhs recent ODI form has also been patchy,with just 160 runs coming from his last eight ODI innings. However,it might well be that both Gambhir and Yuvraj get the nod.

Eventually,both might be selected as the Champions Trophy is a big event and their familiarity with the English conditions and experience give them the edge, said a source.

While the likes of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Ishant Sharma are expected to be automatic choices in the pace- bowling department,Umesh Yadav to can be expected to make the cut. The pacer has made a successful comeback from back injury with a few good spells for Delhi Daredevils. The others in the mix are Irfan Pathan to lend balance to the side and Vinay Kumar IPL form.

The spin department is likely to be given the short shrift,considering the conditions in Engalnd are unlikely to assist turn. Amit Mishra,who was in the squad for the home series against England,is likely to miss out on that count,especially with Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja fairly certain to make the playing eleven.

Eight batsmen,including skipper MS Dhoni,five seamers and two spinners are expected to make the list.

Cheteshwar Pujara will not be considered for the Champions Trophy as the selectors want him to focus solely on the longer format at the moment. Pujara was not included among the probables as he was expected to lead India A to their upcoming tour of South Africa. Pujara has injury issues and we need him fresh for the longer format. We have some important Test series to play,starting with South Africa in the winter and we want him in top shape, a top BCCI official said.

England recall Bopara

LONDON: England have recalled batsman Ravi Bopara and fast bowler Tim Bresnan for the one-day series against New Zealand and next months Champions Trophy on home soil,the England and Wales Cricket Board said on Friday.

Bopara,27,has not played a one-day international since September and Bresnan,28,missed this years tour of New Zealand due to an elbow injury. Batsman Kevin Pietersen was ruled out with a knee problem. Spinner Samit Patel and fast bowler Jade Dernbach were omitted from the 15-man squad.

Alastair Cook will captain the team in three one-day internationals against New Zealand starting on May 31 after the two-match test series between the teams. The hosts first game in the Champions Trophy is against Australia on June 8. Reuters

England squad: Alastair Cook captain,James Anderson,Jonny Bairstow,Ian Bell,Ravi Bopara,Tim Bresnan,Stuart Broad,Jos Buttler,Steve Finn,Eoin Morgan,Joe Root,Graeme Swann,James Tredwell,Jonathan Trott,Chris Woakes.