Butcher ruled out

Mark Butcher was today ruled out of the opening npower Test against West Indies after failing to recover from the whiplash injury suffered in a minor car crash on Monday.

The Surrey left-hander had given himself until this morning's practice session at Lord's before letting England's management know whether he was fit enough to continue a run of 42 consecutive Test appearances.

But his failure to recover this morning has allowed Kent's Robert Key to come in for his first Test appearances since last summer following a prolific start to the county season.

Butcher was able to take part in the fielding practice but after just a few throw downs ruled himself of the nets and informed coach Duncan Fletcher of his withdrawal.