LONDON. Apr 30 (Reuters): In the Test arena, England have never decided whether Alec Stewart is the , true heir of Graham Gooch or lan Botham.

Selected solely as an opening batsman, particularly against pace bowling on fast pitches. Stewart is the equal of Gooch as one of the most attractive and prolific stroke players in the world.

Picked as a wicketkeeper and batting down the order, he is the closest England have come to fielding a true allrounder since Botham was pensioned off seven years ago.

What has been proven is that not even the endlessly willing Stewart is able to captain England. open the batting and also don the wicketkeepers' gloves in Test matches.

But for the World Cup. at least. Stewart will resume all three roles and it is no exaggeration to say that the host country’s fortunes depends largely on how well he performs each function.

Stewart has predictably shown no outward concern at a slunro in form after he recorded his first test century against Australia during the recent Ashes series.

"You always back your own ability," Slewart told reporters this week. "I've got a fair track record behind me. I've been through bad patches before and I've come out of them, it augurs well.

"Throughout the last few years I've been the leading run scorer in Test cricket and I like to think that by the World Cup I'll have turned it around.”

Like Gooch in the latter stages of his career, Stewart has tightened his technique and worked hard to eradicate the

lapses of concentration which saw him getting out in unneces-saiy ways.

Unlike Gooch he is fallible against spin in the early stages of his innings, prone to pushing forward with feet firmly anchored and falling to catches close to the wicket.

Batting at the top of the order this weakness should not be a problem during the World Cup and Stewart's ability to punish all but the very best bowling is a real bonus for England.

As a captain, Stewart leads from the front and his leadership is essentially conventional with no obviously blinding flashes of insight.

He has not been noticeably affected by the pressures of one of the highest profile jobs in British sport and, a year after taking office, retains a boyish enthusiasm.

"I have enjoyed it," he said. "I have had a lot of good times. I . love playing for England and being captain is a huge honour.

"A lot of good things have

happened."

Even at the age of 36. Stewart is not bothered by the burdens of keeping wicket and opening the batting, at least in 50-over matches.

As a wicketkeeper, Stewart is much more than just a fielder with gloves and he has been every bit as effective as Jack Russell. regarded throughout the 1990s as the best specialist 'keeper in England.

"In one-day cricket I have done this for the majority of my career." Stewart said.

"As long as I am coping and doing okay I will keep doing it."