You can take this to the bank – James Tredwell will be named in England’s XI for the ICC World Cup dead-rubber against Afghanistan in the early hours of Friday.

It’s almost appropriate that, in the same week as Crufts, the faithful, loyal, humble man who has jumped through so many hoops on behalf of the ECB over the past five years, will be asked to do so once more – and almost certainly for the final time.

With Moeen Ali struggling with injury and with England out of contention for a last-eight place on account of their shambolic campaign, which culminated in a loss to Bangladesh on Monday, you can bet coach Peter Moores will put his hand on the shoulder of the ever-reliable, always there, Steady Treddy and tell him his country needs him.

If it was me, I’d tell him to shove it where the sun don’t shine. Having been hauled half-way around the globe, for the second straight winter and left to carry the drinks and work on his forearm tan, leaving behind a young family and without being entrusted to play a single competitive game... I’d look the man in the eyes, laugh in his face and wish him good luck at the Job Centre.

But, knowing Tredders the little that I do, I am positive he will do no such thing.

There are few winners from England’s World Cup debacle. Alastair Cook maybe? In a strange way, however, Tredders might just be another one.

His international legacy can’t be tarnished by this abject shambles. Whenever he’s been thrown the ball in warm-up matches or tour games, he’s done what’s asked of him and taken wickets.

Five years ago next week, Tredwell made his only Test appearance. He took six wickets at an average of 30 against Bangladesh in Dhaka. He’s never been given another chance.

March 2010 was also the first of his 44 ODI appearances. He’s claimed 59 scalps at an average of 27.81 in that time. Yet when it mattered, he was distrusted by Moores and Eoin Morgan, who decided there was no place for a specialist spinner with such short boundaries. Daniel Vettori, the fifth-highest wicket taker in the tournament, would probably disagree.

If he plays, I wouldn’t blame him. Not many people get the chance to represent their country at anything. I expect he will add to his international wicket haul, too.

But when the dust settles and the inquest begins, I can’t help but feel Tredwell – having turned 33 two weeks ago – will be an innocent victim, swept aside with whichever new broom comes along to clean up the mess that the ECB have got themselves into.

You can keep your Grand National, Royal Ascot and the Derby – for me the Cheltenham Festival is the highlight of the racing year.

For four days, the eyes of the racing world turn to Gloucestershire with runners and riders and trainers and owners from across the planet all in one place. It really is the World Cup of racing.

Whatever your style – poring over the form or betting on No.5 every race, choosing the one with your best mate’s surname or even picking whatever happens to be third favourite – then there’s something for everyone.

Need a tip to get you started? Top Notch e/w in Friday’s Triumph Hurdle.