To help them bounce back after being dumped out of the 2011 World Cup, England's cricketers have drafted three dogs into the national team.

In a surprise move, the team’s coaches have recruited the canine companions from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home to overhaul the squad’s fielding skills.

The dogs - Blue, Sushi and Judd - will start training with the team today, and are tipped to make their debut during the summer revenge series against Sri Lanka, who knocked England out of the World Cup in the quarter-finals.

A Battersea spokeswoman said of two-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier Blue, who is one of Battersea’s longest-standing residents: ”Blue has been quietly preparing himself for this in the 480 days he’s been with us, by carrying two tennis balls in his mouth whenever he goes out.

“I’ve never seen a dog with catching skills like his, and Sri Lanka will be quaking in their boots.”

Blue will be joined by a two-year-old Mongrel called Sushi, who the animal charity claim will rule the outfield in the first test match at Cardiff.

The spokesperson said: “Sushi makes even Paul Collingwood's fielding look ordinary. She could pluck a pull shot out of the air with her eyes closed.”

Meanwhile, staff have billed the final pooch in the power triumvirate - five year old American Bulldog Judd - the new Freddy Flintoff.

The spokeswoman added: “Sri Lanka won’t know what’s hit them when Judd walks onto the pitch. He’s 100 pounds of pure power, and has his eyes on the prize.

“Losing simply isn’t an option for Judd. When the balls start flying he’s the one to watch.”

The spokeswoman also revealed the dogs would wear specially-adapted helmets, which include a unique doggy gum shield, to protect them from the hard cricket balls.

• Do you think the dogs are a good addition to the team? Let us know by emailing imason@london.newsquest.co.uk, phone the newsdesk on 020 8722 6343 or leave a comment below.