Butcher will miss first test match
Mark Butcher has been ruled out of England's first test against West Indies at Lord's.
The 31-year-old left-handed batsman, who had played in all of England's last 42 games, hurt his neck in a minor car accident on Monday. He failed to train on Tuesday and was still in discomfort from his whiplash on Wednesday.
England have a ready-made replacement in Rob Key, the first batsman to 1,000 first-class runs this season
"I've not been having the greatest run of fortune with injuries the last couple of weeks," Butcher said.
He took part in fielding practice at Lord's but had only faced a few deliveries in the nets when he told coach Duncan Fletcher he would not be able to play in the game.
England captain Michael Vaughan told reporters: "Butch has tried his neck but it's clearly not right. Robert Key will bat at number three.
"It's a huge loss. Butcher has been our most consistent batsman for the past two years."
Ninth cap
Key will be winning his ninth test cap and his first since the second match of the home series against Zimbabwe 13 months ago.
He averages only 18.7 but has been in prolific form for his county.
Andrew Flintoff is unlikely to bowl at Lord's after a cortisone injection in his left ankle.
A scan confirmed a bony spur on the ankle, but England and Wales Cricket Board medical officer Dr Peter Gregory says there is no reason why Flintoff should not play as a specialist batsman.
Flintoff's problem was first revealed last month and he was initially left out of the squad for the triangular NatWest Series.
England's poor form prompted the selectors to recall him as a batsman, however, but they still failed to qualify for the final.
He subsequently played two Twenty20 Cup matches for Lancashire, bowling 17 balls against arch-rivals Yorkshire.
"I had a couple of days off after that to see how it was and it didn't feel too good," he admitted.
"I gave it time to heal on its own but that didn't work so the injection will hopefully speed it up."
However, Flintoff is confident he can make an impact, saying: "If I play as a batsman I'm capable of making a contribution.
"I've been in form all season and in the one-dayers I did all right.
"Normally if I don't get runs I can come in and take wickets so there might be some added pressure but I'll go out to bat with the same attitude."
