The new faces of English one-day international cricket

By Liam Apicella, Features Editor

Published: April 29 2015 | 11:37

Last updated: April 29 2015 | 12:02

Sports Mole takes a closer look at the six players that could make their one-day international debuts next week.

It seems that following a disastrous and embarrassing showing at the recent Cricket World Cup, the penny may have dropped for the England selectors as far as one-day internationals are concerned.

The squad named for next week's encounter against Ireland contains five players that have never received a cap in any format, while six could potentially make their debuts in 50-over international cricket.

Doubters will point to the fact that many of the go-to players have merely been rested following their Test exploits in the Caribbean and will expect them to be reinstated as soon as New Zealand and Australia visit this summer.

However, at least some previously untried talent will be given the opportunity to prove themselves in Dublin a week on Friday and here, Sports Mole has taken a look at the six players that will be hoping to make their maiden outings.

Sam Billings

Sam Billings of Kent hits out during the Royal London One-Day Cup Quarter Final match against Gloucestershire on August 29, 2014 © Getty Images

Age: 23
County: Kent

Twelve months ago, Kent skipper Rob Key backed wicketkeeper Billings to take over the gloves from the experienced Geraint Jones and from that moment onwards, he hasn't looked back.

In the 2014 50-over Royal London Cup, the 23-year-old hit an impressive 458 runs at a strike rate of 154.20 - form which earned him a place in the England Lions squad for the recent trip to South Africa.

He was named in the provisional squad for the World Cup, but Jonny Bairstow was given the nod. This time around, it has been suggested that both could feature against Ireland, with one taking up a role as a specialised batsman.

Jason Roy

Jason Roy of England Lions during the 2nd ODI match between South Africa A and England Lions at De Beers Diamond Oval on January 28, 2015 © Getty Images

Age: 24
County: Surrey

As one of the biggest hitters in the English game, comparisons between Roy and his Surrey teammate Kevin Pietersen were perhaps inevitable. Playing style aside, the 24-year-old, like Pietersen, was born in South Africa.

Despite his tender years, the right-hander has plenty of experience in the limited-overs form of the game. With an average of 32.09 from 60 List A matches, Roy has also played in the Big Bash League and the Bangladesh Premier League.

Providing that he is involved in Ireland, Roy will be hoping that his 50-over debut goes better than his one and only T20 outing last year when he was dismissed for just eight against India.

James Vince

James Vince of the England Lions during the 5th ODI match between South Africa A and England Lions at Sahara Park Willowmoore on February 05, 2015 © Getty Images

Age: 24
County: Hampshire

There are many who believe that Vince's selection should have come much sooner then it actually has. His rise through the ranks at Hampshire has been so impressive that he has been entrusted with the one-day captaincy for the upcoming 50-over Royal London Cup and the T20 Blast.

He also skippered the England Lions in South Africa recently, with his side coming out on top 3-1 in the one-day series. It was in the two Test matches, though, where the 24-year-old shone as he scored 261 runs.

When asked about his senior England chances recently, Vince said: "You go into every year hoping to play for England. I've had a fairly good winter so hopefully some early runs can put pressure on the selectors." He's done just that and now has the opportunity to nail down a regular spot.

David Willey

Northamptonshire's David Willey celebrates taking a wicket on August 17, 2013. © Getty Images

Age: 25
County: Northamptonshire

Ever since he starred on T20 Finals Day in 2013, Willey has been tipped to receive international recognition. Not only did he score 60 runs off just 27 balls in the final, he went on to take a hat-trick with the ball as Northamptonshire secured an unexpected victory against Surrey.

Injury stunted his progression in 2014, but now fully fit, Willey has been given the chance to follow in the footsteps of his father Peter, who made 26 Test appearances for England.

In the County Championship this season, the all-rounder has scored 62, 104 not out, 36 and 88 at an average of 96.66.

Lewis Gregory

Lewis Gregory of Somerset celebrates dismissing Jason Roy of Surrey during the Royal London One-Day Cup match between Surrey and Somerset at The Kia Oval on August 20, 2014 © Getty Images

Age: 22
County: Somerset

At 22, Gregory is the youngest of the new call-ups and his inclusion has been met by surprise in some quarters. He's certainly the least well known of the fresh contingent.

However, in fairness to Gregory, 2014 was his breakthrough year. He had been viewed primarily as a batsman by many, but able to swing the ball with apparent ease, the youngster took 43 wickets at an average of 26.

He also has international experience, having skippered the England Under-19s in Sri Lanka, where he put on an impressive 103-run partnership with Joe Root.

Zafar Ansari

Surrey bowler Zafar Ansari in action during day three of the LV County Championships Division Two match between Glamorgan and Surrey at SWALEC Stadium on April 21, 2015 © Getty Images

Age: 23
County: Surrey

If he gets onto the pitch, there's every chance that Ansari will be the most intellectual player to have ever represented England. Two years ago, the 23-year-old graduated from Cambridge University with a double first in politics and sociology and he is currently studying for his Masters. For good measure, he also plays the piano to a high standard.

On the field, the all-rounder opens in four-day cricket but he is more comfortable batting further down the order in the 50-over format.

With the ball in hand, he will provide England with a much-needed spin option, although he is expected to face competition for that role in Ireland from Adil Rashid.