Loye goes for broke

Mal Loye unfurls his trademark sweep during England's defeat in Brisbane © Getty Images

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England batsman Mal Loye will have at least two more chances at the top of the order to boost his claims for a World Cup spot after it was confirmed that Michael Vaughan will not play within the next 10 days.

Vaughan has a hamstring problem and will miss England's next games in the Commonwealth Bank series, against New Zealand and Australia on Tuesday and Friday respectively.

Loye was thrown headlong into a debut against Australia in Brisbane on Friday - he had only arrived from New Zealand, where he was playing state cricket, 36 hours earlier - and the 34-year-old wasted little time in transferring his Lancashire form to the international scene.

Ironically, the fact there was little time for nerves - hence the freedom with which Loye played during a 52-run opening stand - may have boosted his chances of sneaking into the 15-man World Cup squad.

"It was a very enjoyable day and a very proud moment for me,” said Loye.

"It was too hot to be nervous. I went out thinking it was a one-off and just enjoyed the day.”

Loye's presence gave England an added dimension at the top of the order, producing a sweep - his signature stroke in domestic one-day cricket - in just the fifth over to send a 90-mile-per-hour delivery from Brett Lee over long leg.

“It is a great feeling to hit any six,” said Loye. “That shot is a calculated risk that you have to take in the first 15 overs."

Australia captain Adam Gilchrist marvelled at the bravery of Loye’s premeditated act but, as the man himself revealed, it does not always work.

“I have failed quite a few times doing it and I’ve got a good dentist back in Manchester,” he said.

Loye is preparing for at least two more games in an England one-day shirt © Getty Images

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“I have seen him from time to time; there have been a few chips to the teeth.

“The one that sticks out was against Scotland about four or five years ago.

"I don’t think it was a great pitch and if you get it wrong, you get it wrong - it doesn’t matter who’s bowling.”

The foundations for the shot were laid in this part of the world.

“I was playing club cricket in Wellington about 10 years ago and we got together as English pros and we used to add our runs together on these slow dogged wickets,” Loye recalled.

“We got to about 22. So I had a theory that we should probably treat these old guys that bowled line and length as spinners - so I started sweeping.”

Now Loye has the chance to play in the game's greatest tournament, alongside fellow newcomer Paul Nixon, although he insists he is not looking beyond the coming week.

“I’ve obviously got a lot more experience than when I was 24,” he said.

“Obviously I would have liked to have played when I was 24 but circumstances occur and due to Michael Vaughan’s injury I have got an opportunity.

“I haven’t looked ahead as far as the World Cup; I am looking to Tuesday when I am pretty sure I will get an opportunity again. I am just enjoying the atmosphere of being in an England squad.”