STONE ROLLS INTO WORLD CUP PICTURE

ENGLAND captain Eoin Morgan admitted the emergence of pace star Olly Stone has piled more pressure on his man-management skills before the World Cup.

Stone made an eye-catching start to his international career in the second one-dayer against Sri Lanka in Dambulla on Saturday.

And even though it was only his first bowl at the highest level, his pace and skill has got people excited – as England won by 31 runs on a storm-affected day.

But Morgan knows if Stone goes on to make an irresistible bid for World Cup selection then someone else will have to miss out, and this is a contest he and the coaches need to manage carefully.

Mark Wood has already voiced his concerns and said: “The key is not being too disappointed if you’re left out.”

But with the Curran brothers Tom and Sam plus Liam Plunkett (below, left), David Willey (below, middle), Stone and Wood (below, right) himself fighting for four spots, the race to impress is under way.

“Helping guys who miss out is a big part of the job,” said Morgan. “And that goes for everyone who missed out in Dambulla. Alex Hales is a prime example of someone who would be in most teams in the world. The Curran brothers, it’s the same, they all want to play, but that can’t be the case.

“It’s trying to get into a frame of mind where you’re waiting for an opportunity, but not spending too much negative energy on not playing.

“The fact Olly bowls with the new ball gives him an extra string to his bow and you can’t disregard him from the World Cup.”

For Stone, 25, it has been a whirlwind year after recovering from serious injury, playing last winter in Perth where he got the chance to bowl at England players in the nets, before enjoying a breakout summer for Warwickshire.

And Stone, who regularly tops 90 miles per hour, was on a huge high after his first bowl and wicket for England.

He said: “There is an opportunity to get your foot in the door and I’d love to make it to the World Cup.”