GRAHAM LLOYD is set for a key role in England's Texaco Trophy series against Australia.

But the shock Lancashire selection in the 15-man squad announced yesterday was John Crawley.

While Lloyd's inclusion had been widely predicted as England look to develop a separate team for one-day matches in the lead-up to next summer's World Cup, Crawley had been written off as a "Test specialist."

He established himself in the Test team last winter, but his record in the one-day games was not so good and he had a disastrous Benson and Hedges Cup campaign with Lancashire.

"I'm a little surprised because I didn't find any form in the Bensons matches," admitted Crawley.

"Perhaps my two innings in the championship match against Notts came just at the right time and swung the balance my way."

But Crawley has never accepted that he should be left out of one-day teams, particularly as he is now a top class fielder in addition to being a free-scoring batsman.

England may also have wanted to maintain some continuity by picking eight of the winter touring party in a 15-man squad, so Crawley looks to be battling against Graham Thorpe for the number four position. On the other hand Lloyd seems certain to be included in the eleven, at least for the first game at Headingley on Thursday.

He made his international debut with two appearances against Pakistan late last season when although he fielded brilliantly, his batting opportunities were limited as he came in at number six.

"I didn't get much chance to show what I could do, but I am in good nick at the moment and this series is coming up just at the right time for me," said the 27-year-old.

"I am not counting my chickens. I am in the squad, but I have still to get into the side. I just hope, that if and when I get to the crease, there is enough time for me to score a few runs."

Captain Mike Atherton, Lancashire's third man in the squad, added: "The selectors have obviously wanted to cover all options with plenty of flexibility.

"John Crawley has been an established part of the England set-up for a year or so and he is playing well, while Graham Lloyd is a successful one-day player who is in form and gets the chance to build on his experience from last year."

But there was disappointment for Peter Martin, left out despite his excellent record in one-day cricket both for England and for Lancashire.

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