Three debutants, a recently-dropped vice-captain and a bowler back from a seven-year hiatus may all be part of England’s “fresh start” at Lord’s – but Alastair Cook is confident he has all bases covered.

There is arguably a motley ring to the outcome of exhaustive deliberation to deliver the squad to launch Cook and returning coach Peter Moores’ much-discussed new era in the first Test against Sri Lanka.

Cook has spelled out Sam Robson and Moeen Ali’s positions in England’s top six, along with that of Gary Ballance at number three after his solitary Test to date, and it is highly likely all-rounder Chris Jordan will be the third new man.

Matt Prior, dropped in favour of Jonny Bairstow during England’s descent to Ashes whitewash last winter, is back but not as vice-captain – a role currently unmanned, although Ian Bell would lead the team should Cook have to leave the field for any reason.

The extra question still to be resolved by confirmation of the final XI is whether England opt for the potential pace and bounce of 29-year-old Liam Plunkett, who played the last of his nine Tests in June 2007, or recall Chris Woakes from a much shorter absence since his one cap last summer.

Either way, if it seems Cook might have plenty on his plate – to keep a captain’s eye on one and all – he shrugs at the suggestion.

“It’s been a pretty heavy load for every England captain. There are always different challenges.”

Cook is keen, as he must, to accentuate the positive.

“It feels like a fresh start,” he added.

“I’m a pretty open guy, and people have had pretty good chats with me.

“They can walk up to me, rather than me walking up to them. I hope people are feeling ready to go.”