Essex duo Alastair Cook and Ravi Bopara have been selected for the upcoming One Day International series with Sri Lanka.

The England skipper has held on to his position after receiving criticism for his captaincy in the summer after the series defeat at home to India.

Chairman of selectors, James Whittaker, backed the decision to keep Cook as captain by saying: “We are 100 per cent Alastair Cook to captain not only in Sri Lanka but in the World Cup.

“He has had his ups and downs this summer but he has shown immense dignity and fortitude and we are 100 per cent behind him.”

Bopara, 29, will join Cook in England’s 16-man squad who travel to Sri Lanka as they head to Asia for the seven match series on November 16, after missing out on the recent India torment endured by his counterparts.

Whittaker said on Bopara’s inclusion: “He has got an immense amount of experience, and in those conditions in Sri Lanka I’m sure he will challenge for a place in our World Cup team.”

Another Essex player recognised for their performances this summer is Tom Westley, who was drafted in to the 19-man England Performance Programme this winter.

Whittaker said: “The EPP plays an important role in identifying and working with those players we believe have the potential to thrive in international cricket.