Butcher comeback delayed

Mark Butcher's return from the wrist injury that forced him home from England's tour of South Africa has been delayed as the recovery process is taking longer than anticipated. An early May comeback had been earmarked but that has now been put back to ensure Butcher is fully recovered.

The Surrey physio Greg Mullings told BBC Sport: "He has started hitting soft balls but is still getting some pain. It's quite a common injury for golfers where the recovery schedule is based on a 12-week period. What we have found with Mark is that it may end up being a little bit longer because in cricket you are hitting a heavy ball which is moving towards you, unlike in golf. We first earmarked early May for Mark to return to the team but at this point in time there's quite a bit of improvement to go before he's 100%."

The news means that Butcher is now virtually ruled out of the two Tests against Bangladesh, which begin on May 26, although it was always unlikely that he would have been included. His main aim is now to get enough cricket under his belt ahead of the Ashes series so the selectors are forced into making some tough choices for the No 3 position.

He is in competition with Robert Key, who took his place in South Africa, Kevin Pietersen and Ian Bell for the last batting slot against Australia. Two of those three batsmen will get their opportunity against Bangladesh so when Butcher does finally return he will have to make his mark in county cricket to force the selector's hand.