Butcher's still hoping for England start

Mark Butcher could be a last-minute selection for Thursday's First Test against the West Indies, just as he was at Sabina Park six years ago.

Butcher came into the 1998 side following a late reshuffle caused by Jack Russell's illness. Now the Surrey batsman is recovering from an ankle injury and could retain his place at No3 in Michael Vaughan's team.

But it could go to the wire, with a decision taken on the morning of the game.

Butcher appeared to have little chance of playing after spraining his left ankle during last week's match against Jamaica at Sabina Park

He improved steadily over the weekend, however, and batted in the nets yesterday before jogging around the outfield.

"Batting is not a problem," Butcher said. "It's fielding and having to change direction quickly. But the ankle is coming on."

England's other worry, Graham Thorpe, appears to be over his latest back complaint, having made a half-century and batted without difficulty during an innnings and 85-run demolition of the Vice Chancellor's XI.

Paul Collingwood is first in line for any vacancy. However, and Middlesex opener Andrew Strauss arrived here late last night to provide the squad with additional cover.