Butcher hopes for England return

Butcher has seen several players overtake him in the England set-up

Surrey batsman Mark Butcher has targeted November's tour of Pakistan for a return to the England squad.

The 32-year-old played for Surrey against Bangladesh A on Wednesday after surgery on a wrist injury had kept him out of action since December 2004.

"All I want to do is score runs for Surrey and help us finish on a good note," Butcher told Surrey's website.

"I'd love to make the tour of Pakistan but I have to do the business on the pitch first."

Butcher, who has played 71 Tests for England, was appointed Surrey captain at the start of the season but has had to watch Mark Ramprakash fill the role for most of the season.

After returning from England's tour of South Africa, Butcher's operation involved re-joining ligaments to the bone in his wrist and his rehabilitation from the surgery dragged on much longer than expected.

Butcher fails on return to action

He made only five runs on his return at the Oval before being caught off Shahadat Hossain's bowling.

"I'm hoping to help Surrey finish strongly in all forms of cricket," added Butcher.

"At the moment we need a bit of a lift so if I can provide that then that's half the battle.

"Mark has done a superb job but I'm looking forward to taking over the reins as it has been something I have always wanted to do since I started playing county cricket."

Butcher averages 34.58 with the bat in Tests, and is seen as a dependable presence at the crease.

But England have turned to young talent in the shape of Ian Bell and Kevin Pietersen since his injury.

Itinerary: England in Pakistan

England will play three Tests and five one-day internationals in Pakistan.