Butcher misses Lord's Test

It's a huge loss - Butcher has been our most consistent batsman for the past two years Captain Michael Vaughan Key primed for Test chance

England's Mark Butcher has been ruled out of the first Test against West Indies at Lord's.

Butcher suffered whiplash to his neck in a car accident and will be replaced by Kent's Rob Key.

It ends a run of 42 consecutive Test appearances by Butcher, whose place had originally been in doubt because of a thigh strain.

"I've not been having the greatest run of fortune with injuries the last couple of weeks," he told BBC Sport.

Butcher took part in fielding practice at Lord's on Wednesday but had only faced a few deliveries in the nets when he told coach Duncan Fletcher he would not be able to play in the game.

Key, who will slot in at number three, will be winning his ninth Test cap and his first since the second match of the home series against Zimbabwe 13 months ago.

Key is a very good batsman and this is his chance to shine From Tony MD Have your say on TMS

He averages only 18.7 but has been in prolific form for his county and was the first batsman to reach 1,000 first-class runs this summer.

"He's got an opportunity to do exactly what Andrew Strauss did at the start of the summer. Butch will be missed, but opportunity has arisen for Robert Key," said captain Michael Vaughan.

Andrew Flintoff, meanwhile, is unlikely to bowl at Lord's after a cortisone injection in his left ankle.

A scan confirmed a bony spur on the ankle, but England and Wales Cricket Board medical officer Dr Peter Gregory says there is no reason why Flintoff should not play as a specialist batsman.

Academy feature: Why fast bowlers suffer ankle injuries

Flintoff's problem was first revealed last month and he was initially left out of the squad for the triangular NatWest Series.

England's poor form prompted the selectors to recall him as a batsman, however, but they still failed to qualify for the final.

"We don't expect him to bowl in the first game - any overs we get out of him is a bonus," said Vaughan.

"He had this pain-killing injection on Monday so given a few days, who knows?

"Realistically the second game at Edgbaston will be the first time he bowls, but you can never write him off."

He added: "The way he's played as a batter he warrants a place in that top order. He's also an outstanding fielder , so Freddie plays no matter what.

"We're delighted to have him in the team. It's just unfortunate that he can't bowl at the moment."