Butcher confident of England future

Mark Butcher hopes to have eased the pressure on England

Day two report

Day two photo gallery

Mark Butcher hopes his first-innings 137 against Zimbabwe - his second successive Test century - has reduced the pressure on his England place.

In between his hundred in the fifth Test win over Australia in January and the innings against Zimbabwe, Butcher was left out by Surrey for their opening championship match.

And, despite five centuries in 24 Tests since his international recall in 2001, the left-hander revealed his place in the side was becoming vulnerable before his ton in Sydney.

"I was told I was under a bit of pressure for my place so it was very nice to get a hundred as part of a winning side," he said.

"I knew my name was on the list as one of those who might not make it.

"Now a new series has come along with a clamour to get new faces in the team.

"I think I have earned my place in the side over the last two years and it was nice to cement that again in this innings.

I had a few nerves but I just wanted to enjoy the experience

Anthony McGrath

"Hopefully this is becoming a habit that I will keep for a while."

Anthony McGrath also made a big impression in England's total of 472 all out as he scored 69 on his Test debut - the first England batsman since Marcus Trescothick in 2000 to make a 50 on his first Test start.

"It was the best day of my life," he said.

Jonathan Agnew's verdict

"To get 69 was a dream come true."

But the 27-year-old was under no illusions about why he had at last made it into the Test team.

"I realised I was only playing because Andrew Flintoff was injured," said McGrath.

"I had a few nerves but I just wanted to enjoy the experience. I didn't want to have any regrets. It was a no-lose situation so I just decided to play my natural game.

"This is where I want to be but the hard work starts now."