Butcher and Jones get England nod

Mark Butcher and Simon Jones look set to regain their places in England's Test team after both were named in the side to face South Africa A this weekend.

Even rival Rob Key expected Butcher to slip back into the No 3 spot in Potchefstroom tomorrow, where Michael Vaughan's men start the three-day game that is their only proper preparation for next week's opening Test against South Africa.

Confirmation came this afternoon and barring injury or a nightmare match, Butcher is certain to play next Friday when the serious business starts in Port Elizabeth after missing all of last summer's series against West Indies because of injuries and accident.

As for the only other debating point, Jones and Jimmy Anderson will not be going head-tohead at Sedgars Park tomorrow.

It should be difficult to choose between the two pacemen for the fourth fast bowling place behind Steve Harmison, Matthew Hoggard and Andrew Flintoff.

But instead of watching the pair in action on the same pitch against South Africa A this weekend, England have already expressed their preference - in favour of Jones. This makes him the overwhelming favourite to start next week's first Test and coach Duncan Fletcher said of Jones today: "I thought Simon bowled very well in Zimbabwe, his confidence level is high. All he's got to do now is just up the pace a little."