Butcher injury jinx strikes again

Butcher failed twice in that match and was unable to hold the bat properly when the series moved on to Cape Town in the New Year.

Last Saturday, though, he sounded optimistic about being fit for selection here.

"It's improved, but not enough to be able to wield a bat and hit a ball that would be bowled a bit quicker than the few tennis balls thrown down me at today," he explained. "The more I tried to move it, the stiffer it became and the more the pain came on

"With only another two days to go before the Test that doesn't give it enough time to improve significantly, so that's that."

At best, Butcher would still be doubtful for the Fifth Test and he has no complaints about the decision to send him home.

"The logic so far as going back is concerned is that I won't be able to play in this Test," he said. "Then, not having played for three weeks, it just seems best from a continuity point of view that Rob plays the last two matches and England get a replacement out here, someone who is ready to go in case there is another problem."

At least England are still optimistic that Andrew Flintoff will be able to play a full part in this week's Test, even though he did not attempt to bowl today following the side strain sustained in Cape Town.

But for Butcher there is not much light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to injuries.

"I was pretty despondent about it last summer, but this comes as a much worse blow," he said. "I thought I was over all the injury problems and fitness wise I'd been good. It's a bit galling at the moment."

The biggest worry in the back of Butcher's mind is that he could have played his last Test, a particularly unpleasant prospect with a home Ashes series just around the corner.

"If guys come in and do well, I guess I'll be waiting back in the ranks like everyone else in county cricket," he said.

But at least Butcher, who had a miserable tour of South Africa five years ago when marital problems clearly affected his form, has not lost his sense of humour.

"The one bonus is that people tend to fall over dead when the Aussies come, so I'll probably be in with a shout," he added.