Hopes remain for Butcher

Physio Dean Conway tests Butcher's thumb

England batsman Mark Butcher could yet play in the second Test against Zimbabwe despite suffering a cracked bone in his thumb.

Butcher was injured while catching Lou Vincent in New Zealand's second innings in the Christchurch Test, and was initially thought to be out of the Wellington match.

But he was able to bat in the nets on Tuesday.

Captain Nasser Hussain said: "He's doubtful but we'll give him as much time as possible."

The second Test of three in the series begins on Thursday, with England 1-0 up.

Craig White is primed to come into the side

To compensate for the possible loss of Butcher, England have called up young Warwickshire batsman Ian Bell as cover.

The right-hand batsman, who was in New Zealand with the England under-19 team three years ago, averaged over 60 for Warwickshire in the county championship last season.

However, it is thought Criag White will replace Butcher if a substitution is required for Wellington.

If a second batting injury afflicts the team, Bell would very much be in the picture.

That's because Usman Afzaal is thought to be one of the players who was criticised by Duncan Fletcher for lacking fitness.

Hussain said his own hand injury was better after he hurt it trying to catch Stephen Fleming.

Vettori crisis

Meanwhile, the injury-ravaged Kiwi bowling attack - already lacking Shane Bond, Dion Nash, and now Chris Cairns after he was injured at Jade Stadium - face another crisis.

Daniel Vettori - the left-arm spinner potentially vital to their chances of getting back into the series - has a back problem.

Warren Frost, medical co-ordinator of the team, said the spinner had a soft-tissue problem in a disc.

"We've got until just before the game on Thursday to make the call," said Frost. "We want to give him as much time as possible and we're aware of the long-term impact as well."

If Vettori is unable to play, Chris Harris would be in line for a rare call-up, with perhaps Chris Martin replacing Cairns.