England's Jon Lewis applies sunscreen during a Cricket World Cup practice session at Arnos Vale in Kingstown, St. Vincent, yesterday. - Reuters

VILLA BEACH, St. Vincent (Reuters):

England's four pace bowlers are in a straight fight for two or three World Cup starting berths which can only be good for their tournament prospects, seamer Jon Lewis said yesterday.

Lewis and Jimmy Anderson spearheaded the attack at the start of the one-day tri-series in Australia in January but both were struck down by ankle and back injuries, respectively, allowing Sajid Mahmood and Liam Plunkett into the side.

England went on to win the series finals 2-0 against Australia with Plunkett, ignored for most the tour, particularly impressive.

Lewis and Anderson have recovered their fitness and with all-rounder Andrew Flintoff also bulking up the bowling options, Lewis thinks it can only bode well.

"It's a really strong position to be in with four quick bowlers. It is going to be tough for me and Jimmy to get back in the side," he told reporters by the pool at the team hotel.

"The ankle's good. I'm really happy with it. I'm 100 per cent fit and ready to go."

ASHES HUMILIATION

England Test bowler Steve Harmison, who quit one-day cricket before the limited-overs games in Australia, told the Daily Mail yesterday that none of their big-name players turned up in the 5-0 Ashes humiliation and that he felt like a scapegoat.

But Lewis, who was not in the Ashes Test squad, dismissed suggestions that Harmison's moaning might affect the one-day side's morale.

"If his attitude was negative, that is something for him to deal with," Lewis added.

The 31-year-old also hinted that England know as much about the ships that have disappeared in the notorious Bermuda triangle as they do about the island's World Cup cricket team, whom they face in their first warm-up game today.

The minor cricket nation, making their tournament debut, has very few recognisable players apart from 36-year-old David Hemp who captains county side Glamorgan back in England.

Bermuda all-rounder Malachi Jones is just 17 and could feature in the 13-player-a side game alongside 21-stone (294lb), 35-year-old spinner Dwayne Leverock.

"I know David Hemp is Glamorgan captain, and that's about it," Lewis said.

England's first World Cup group game is against New Zealand on March 16 while Bermuda open up against Sri Lanka the day before..