HAMPSHIRE CAPTAIN Robin Smith believes that England's selectors would be mad not to include Alan Mullally in the World Cup squad.

Mullally, 32, expects to be bowling at 85mph this summer after being forced to drop his pace last year because of a persistent side strain.

And Smith, who begins what could be his last County Championship season at Kent today, sees the former Leicestershire left-armer as a must if England are to monut a serious challenge when they begin their campaign against Zimbabwe in Harare next February.

He said: "Alan Mullally is one of the best three one-day bowlers in the world. He's very consistent and, speaking as a captain, he's a dream.

"He is a left-armer, so he provides great variation to the attack; he has a very good slower ball and he bowls well at the death.

"If England want to give themselves the best possible chance of winning the World Cup, he should be there."

Smith added: "I'm very proud to lead out Hampshire cricket. I really believe we can win something this year and put in a serious challenge for the county Championship - I'll be disappointed if we don't.

"I think Surrey and Yorkshire will be our biggest test in the championship, but Kent have always been a very difficult side to beat and they play very well at Canterbury."

Smith was expected to stick with Adie Aymes as his wicketkeeper today despite the arrival of Nic Pothas and Derek Kenway's tuition from Aussie legend Rod Marsh.

"Adie's been outstanding and he's my man," he added.

"There's been nothing in his game to suggest he shouldn't be keeping wicket.

"I know that Derek Kenway wants to play for one day cricket for England as a wicketkeeper as well, so we have plenty of competition for places in that department."