Alastair Cook and MS Dhoni look up as the ball takes the top edge Getty Images

Alastair Cook looks set to benefit from the steadfast support of England coach Peter Moores and retain his place in the ODI side.

England name their squad for the ODI series in Sri Lanka on Wednesday with the position of the captain one area that could have created much discussion.

But while ESPNcricinfo understands that at least one of the other national selectors had reservations about Cook's continued involvement in the ODI side, Moores has insisted that he should remain captain and lead England to the World Cup.

While it remains possible that the other selectors - James Whitaker, Mick Newell and Angus Fraser - could out-vote Moores, it is unlikely that a normally consensual process would come to such an abrasive conclusion. It is more likely that the coach will be given the team, and the captain, that he wants.

Cook's position in the ODI side has come under scrutiny in recent months after a run of modest form with the bat and disappointing team results. England have not won any of their last five ODI series with Cook as captain and, since June 20, 2012, Cook is averaging 32.21 in ODI cricket at a strike-rate of 72.46. It is 40 ODI innings since he has reached 80 and, in his last 16, he has made only one-half-century. England have won one of their last six completed ODIs.

But Cook and Moores have struck up a strong relationship over the last six months. Moores has been impressed by Cook's fortitude under pressure and his lack of personal agenda. While Moores endured some difficult relationships with his captains during his first stint as coach - he struggled with Kevin Pietersen, Michael Vaughan and Paul Collingwood at various times - he has found Cook like-minded, easy to work with and believes in him as a player.

Besides, while Eoin Morgan and Ian Bell might prove decent alternate choices as captains, neither has made a compelling case over recent months. Moores would rather stick with Cook, with his obvious strengths and weaknesses, than gamble on an unproven captain only months ahead of a global event.

Certainly, time is running out to make a change ahead of the World Cup. After the seven-match ODI series in Sri Lanka, England depart for a short tri-nations series with Australia and India in Australia in January. England and Australia then play on the opening day of the World Cup, February 14. If the selectors are to give a new team any chance of bedding-in, the change would have to come now.

Yet, with Moores' support, it would still be a shock if Cook does not feature in the squad for Sri Lanka which is sure to closely resemble the World Cup that follows. With his selection, England will continue with their ODI method which, in broad terms, revolves around retaining wickets and accelerating in the later stages of their innings.

The selectors, who meet on Tuesday, are also likely to discuss their spin options, fast bowling options, aggressive batting options and all-rounders; a state of affairs that reflects England's increasingly desperate state going into World Cup.

Ravi Bopara, who was a surprise omission from the ODI squad to play India, is likely to win a recall. Not only did England miss Bopara's ability to clear the ropes towards the end of the innings, they also struggled to replace his medium-pace bowling.

While there may well be a temptation to select the likes of Jason Roy or James Taylor, England are more likely to stick with those who did service against India. Joe Root ended the series with a fine hundred at Headingley and although Bell had a top score of 50 in ODIs this season he has a decent long-term record. Gary Ballance may miss out.

There will be a temptation to select Adil Rashid whose legspin is complemented by his batting. But Moeen Ali has developed into a good spin option and the selectors retain faith in James Tredwell, despite his struggles in Australia at the start of the year. Though Tredwell's economy rate of 4.57 was respectable he failed to take a wicket in three matches. There are few obvious candidates as a left-arm spinning alternative.

With Stuart Broad, who is recovering from knee surgery, absent, there will be an opportunity for a bowler to make a late claim for inclusion within the World Cup squad. While the selectors like Harry Gurney's left-arm variety and calm temperament, Steven Finn's pace and James Anderson's experience and control, it is hard to envisage a team containing all three of them as it renders the tail uncomfortably long.

To that end, England are likely to provide more opportunities for seam bowling all-rounders such as Ben Stokes and Chris Jordan, despite inconsistent white ball performances to date.

It is unlikely that there will be an immediate recall for Jonathan Trott. While Trott was recently cleared for selection by the ECB's medical team and remains in the thoughts of the team management, it is likely that he would be reliant upon injury to the likes of Cook or Bell for a recall. It is entirely possible he will be placed, unofficially at least, on stand-by.

Probable squad Alastair Cook, Alex Hales, Moeen Ali, Ian Bell, Eoin Morgan, Joe Root, Ravi Bopara, Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes, Chris Jordan, James Tredwell, James Anderson, Harry Gurney, Steven Finn.