Devon Malcolm and Derbyshire's other Test cricketer of recent times, Dominic Cork, are omitted from all three of the touring parties announced yesterday. Cork's absence is for reasons, said David Graveney, chairman of selectors, of temperamental and physical fitness. He stressed that Cork at his best is badly needed by England and that he will be encouraged and guided during the winter to work towards his rehabilitation.

The fifth fast bowling place on the 3.5 month tour of the West Indies has gone to Essex's 22-year-old Ashley Cowan after only 31 first-class matches. He has been preferred to a number of other young bowlers, as well as to any specialist all-rounder.

Mark Ealham and Ben Hollioake, 19, who between them filled the all-rounder's role in five of the six Tests against Australia, are both chosen for the A tour to Kenya and Sri Lanka between January and March. Either or both might join the party in the West Indies for the one-day internationals at the end of the tour. Both are in England's specialist one-day team for a tournament in Sharjah in December, also involving the West Indies, India and Pakistan. This team will be led by Adam Hollioake, Ben's 26-year-old brother, a clear indication that, whether or not he makes the grade as a Test player and potential England captain, he will be in charge of the national side in the 1999 World Cup.