Butcher set to return by end of April

Mark Butcher could return to action in Surrey's second County Championship game of the new season as he continues his recovery from the wrist injury that forced him home during England's tour of South Africa this winter. April 27 is being suggested as Butcher's possible return, when Surrey face Glamorgan at Sophia Gardens.

Butcher will be keen to get back to full fitness quickly to enable him to have as many opportunities as possible to stake a claim for the No. 3 slot in the Test match side. Robert Key took his place when he was forced out of the Cape Town Test with his wrist injury, sustained during practice at the start of the tour. There is now increased competition for batting places in the England top six after the dramatic success of Kevin Pietersen and the fact that Ian Bell's claims for an extended run can't be ignored for much longer.

It is unlikely that Butcher will force his way back for the two Tests against Bangladesh as the selectors will want to give Key another opportunity and Pietersen will also be in the mix, but his hardened Test experience could come in vital if England suffer any injuries during the Ashes series.