England takes 'step into unknown' with North vs. South match

LONDON (AP) England is using a computer to unearth unheralded stars for its one-day team ahead of the 2019 Cricket World Cup.

English cricket authorities announced Monday that a three-match ''North vs. South'' series will be played next year in the United Arab Emirates, featuring players from England's county circuit who are not already playing international cricket.

The players will be selected by a player-ranking system that provides more rigorous analysis of performances than traditional averages, taking into account less tangible factors like fielding, venues, conditions and standard of opposition.

Andrew Strauss, managing director of the England and Wales Cricket Board, says ''this is a bit of a step into the unknown ... but the logic behind it is very solid.''

England will host the 2019 World Cup.