HAMPSHIRE coach Dale Benkenstein reckons England’s Lions stars should be at the World Cup.

England will be knocked out of the tournament if they lose their next game, against Sri Lanka in Wellington tomorrow night.

And Benkenstein believes his former Durham teammate Ben Stokes and Hampshire captain James Vince should be involved.

He said: “This was an ideal chance for England to play younger guys.

“If they had done well it would have been a bonus, if not it wouldn’t have been the end of the world because at least they’d have gained experience for the next World Cup.

“I hope Vincey gets a chance, I would obviously have loved him to be in the World Cup side.

“It takes time to adjust to international cricket, not many people just walk in and find it easy, but he has the ability to handle international cricket, so the sooner he has the opportunity the better.”

Vince scored 261 first-class runs at 130.5 against South Africa A last month, before captaining the Lions to a 3-1 win in the one-day series, which was secured by Stokes’ astonishing 151 not out from 86 balls.

“I was very surprised Stokes wasn’t picked because he’s world class,” continued Benkenstein. “There may be a very good reason that I don’t know about but he seems to have done whatever the ECB has required of him and he’s a match-breaker.

“There aren’t many of them in the England side. Alex Hales also deserves a run, [Ian] Bell’s had enough opportunities.”

New Zealand are Benkenstein’s tip for the World Cup.

“They’re looking very good, they’ve surprised me with the quality of their bowling,” he said.

“Vettori adds a huge balance to the team, so much experience in the middle. Their batting has always been explosive and exciting so they can surprise everyone.

“South Africa only have five world-class players and while India’s batting is very potent I would back New Zealand and Australia in their own conditions.”

South Africa’s squad includes Kyle Abbott, who will heads to the Indian Premier League next month after being bought by the Chennai Super Kings.

He could also return to Hampshire this year. “There could still be an opportunity to get him in the second half of the season,” said Benkenstein, who is looking forward to his second year with Hampshire, which starts with next month’s tour of Barbados.

“A lot depends on the new guys’ fitness and how they settle in,” said Benkenstein, referring to the signings of Jackson Bird and Andre Adams. “The squad looks strong but I’ve had a look at what we’re up against and it’s going to be tough because there are some very strong squads.

“The bowling depth is where other teams are so strong.

“They have six or seven who could play in the first team.

“We need Bird to be flying and Andre Adams to be doing what he’s capable of.

“If something happens to them we have to replace them with quality.”

Hampshire at least have Michael Carberry available for the start of the season as he was unsold at the IPL auction.

“We did the right thing in giving Carbs the option but we obviously want him as much as possible,” said Benkenstein. “Our batting matches up to most sides.”