Double blow for Butcher

Butcher has cemented a place in the Test side

England batsman Mark Butcher has been ordered to appear before a disciplinary panel following newspaper comments about Sri Lankan seam bowler Ruchira Perera's bowling action.

News of his summons to appear before the England and Wales Cricket Board's Discipline and Standing Committee came only hours after Butcher admitted he was doubtful for the third Test at Old Trafford because of a knee injury.

The hearing, to be chaired by Gerard Elias QC, will take place within the next fortnight.

Perera is currently working with Sri Lankan bowling coach Daryl Foster to smooth out his action after being reported to the International Cricket Council following the first Test at Lord's.

In a column for the Croydon Adverstiser newspaper, Butcher was quoted as saying that Perera "definitely straightens his arm".

He added: "It's not so bad when the ball is pitched up but when he bowls short, he just runs up and throws it at you - I can't believe someone gets away with it."

The committee has a wide range of penalties available from a simple reprimand, a fine of up to £2,000 or, in extreme cases, a suspension of up to five days.

John Crawley could return if Butcher is not fit

It is probable, however, that Butcher will escape with a warning - the same penalty imposed on Adam Gilchrist by ther Australian Cricket Board for public comments he made about Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan's action.

Butcher, meanwhile, is ready to delay an operation on his left knee in order to play at Old Trafford, but rates his chances only "50-50".

He had a scan in Sheffield on Wednesday, which showed he had damaged a pad in the knee which cushions the stresses and strains of running.

Butcher's injury caused him to spend large parts of the Edgbaston Test with his feet up in the dressing-room while 12th man took his place in the field.

He did not play in Surrey's National League game against Northamptonshire on Tuesday.

An England and Wales Cricket Board statement confirmed, however, that he was not suffering from any acute cartilage damage.

"Butcher will receive treatment to the knee in the lead-up to the game and its condition will be closely monitored by the England management team in the hope that he will be able to play.

"If Butcher is not passed fit for the match, he will undergo an immediate arthoscopy," the statement said.