England has dropped captain Alastair Cook from its one-day side and replaced him with Eoin Morgan in time for next year’s World Cup campaign.

The ECB announced the move on Saturday evening (AEDT), after heightened speculation that Cook’s time in the limited-overs team was over.

• Johnson spearheads Aussies to Second Test win
• One of the best catches you will ever see

Cook’s recent performances with the bat have fallen well short of the mark, averaging 27.5 in his last 20 ODI innings.

Cook also paid the price for a 3-1 ODI series defeat to India in England, followed by a 5-2 one-day series loss to Sri Lanka on the sub-continent.

The former Ireland batsman Morgan takes over as captain for the tournament in February.

The 28-year-old left-hander has played 107 games for England since 2009, averaging 37.05. He has already captained the side on eight occasions.

National selector James Whitaker, said in a statement: “We spent a considerable time yesterday discussing the make up of a squad that gives England the best possible chance of success at the World Cup which begins in less than two months.

“Having reviewed the recent series against Sri Lanka we came to the conclusion that there was no place for Alastair Cook amongst our strongest 15 one-day players and therefore recommended Eoin Morgan be appointed One-Day captain.”

England cricket managing director, Paul Downton, said Cook remained “an integral part of England cricket and continues to have a vital role in developing our emerging Test side,” and thanked him for his leadership of the ODI side since 2011.

“Alastair will now focus on an exciting and challenging year of Test cricket beginning with a series against West Indies followed by an Ashes summer culminating in a series against South Africa next winter,” Downton said.

Morgan said he was delighted to be given the captaincy for the one-day side.

“I firmly believe that with the players currently involved in the one-day set up we have the makings of a very good one-day side, a young side that can surprise people at the World Cup.”

Cook acknowledged his disappointment at the sacking in the statement.

“I am gutted to be left out of the World Cup squad and it is likely to take me a while to get over the disappointment,” he said.

“That said I wish Peter, Eoin and the lads all the best for the World Cup. I would also like to thank all the players and fans who have supported me during my time as One-Day captain.”

More to follow.