Rest vital, says Graveney

The moment of victory - last man Mbangwa is out

Chairman of selectors David Graveney has stressed the importance of England's players taking the chance to rest between Tests following the crushing Test victory over Zimbabwe at Lord's.

It was the first of seven Tests this summer, five of them against the West Indies, and he believes central contracts will help ensure key players are able to produce their best throughout the summer.

It was an efficient performance

David Graveney

England won by an innings and 209 runs and Graveney told Radio 5 Live: "It's a step in the right direction."

He added: "I think the thing that impressed people was the, ruthlessness might be a bit over the top, but it was an efficient performance. We bowled them out, got runs on the board and then knocked them over again. You can ask no more than that."

The second Test at Trent Bridge starts on 1 June and the selectors are unlikely to make many changes to the England squad.

Contention

Yorkshire batsman Michael Vaughan will come into contention if he is fully fit following a broken finger, but replacement Nick Knight made 44 at Lord's and is an excellent close catcher.

Graveney - Delighted with victory

Graveney indicated there were things to discuss at the selection meeting but said: "It will probably be shorter than some we have had in the past."

Mark Ramprakash will play for Middlesex to gain more experience opening the innings but other key players are likely to take a break before the second Test.

"It's important that, with our resources, the likes of Darren Gough and Andrew Caddick bring their best performances to the Test stage," said Graveney.

"If they bowl like they have in the past Test match, supported by Ed Giddins, and the way the batsmen played, we'll be a force for most sides."

Peak

Ramprakash - Still adjusting to new role

Captain Nasser Hussain also believes the central contracts awarded to 12 players will help players peak at the right times.

"Turning up on a Monday and being together for three days instead of turning up tired after a championship game on a Tuesday, when you have to spend a day introducing yourself to everyone, is much better," he said.

"It's the most comprehensive win. It's the most professional we've played and I suppose it's one of the most satisfying wins since I became captain."

He added: "We have just got to improve steadily. The improvement we showed in South Africa, we have carried on here.

"We've just got to keep our feet on the ground, pat ourselves on the back and say 'Well done, we've done all we can do' but realise there is a Zimbabwe side who are wounded and will want to come back at us - and the West Indies come later on."