In the event the selectors named 13 players retaining the Glamorgan speed merchant Simon Jones but excluding the Derbyshire swinger

In the event, the selectors named 13 players, retaining the Glamorgan speed merchant Simon Jones but excluding the Derbyshire swinger Dominic Cork.There are doubts about the fitness of Mark Butcher, but if he fails his test on Tuesday there would presumably be a straight swap with John Crawley, who was omitted at Birmingham. “We will be looking to make an early decision in fairness both to him and Crawley,” said David Graveney, the chairman of selectors.Those who wondered why Cork was chosen in the squads for the first two matches might suppose themselves vindicated. However, Graveney said: “When selecting a squad we need to ensure that everyone has a chance to play. Given that we will be playing at Old Trafford we felt that Cork was unlikely to feature. We have spoken to him about this and assured him that he will remain in our thoughts for future selections.” Cork has been written off before, but despite Graveney’s soothing words, it is difficult to envisage him coming back again.

As the summer wears on and the hard winter in Australia looms closer, there will be other fish to fry, other bowlers to try.If Jones has a realistic chance of being given his debut on a Manchester pitch which recent convention dictates is quicker than most in this country, it remains unlikely. The seam-bowling quartet of Andrew Caddick, Matthew Hoggard, Alex Tudor and Andrew Flintoff did all that was required of them in Birmingham, where England won by an innings and 111 runs. Omission for any of them would be harsh.On the other hand, Jones possesses true pace, one of the weapons which Fletcher claims is essential for England to become a team of enduringhigh-achievers. He can, in the old phrase, give batsmen the hurry-up and he can also be provided with protection by the older hands around him.

For all the handsome skill of their batsmen, Sri Lanka in Manchester might be a better bet for a debutant fast bowler than, say, Australia in Brisbane.Hoggard justifiably won the man-of-the-match award at Edgbaston. He was out of form going into the match and repaid the faith shown in him by his captain, Nasser Hussain, and Fletcher. Still, the best bowler on show was Caddick, who produced a stream of pearlers, especially with the second new ball in Sri Lanka’s second innings on Sunday afternoon. Caddick has often been maligned for his quirky temperament, but he is a bowling thoroughbred.Butcher’s knee will eventually need surgical attention which will keep him out for three weeks. His participation will depend on his assessment as much as that of the England medical team.