England declare hand early

Birmingham-England took the rare, if not unprecedented, step yesterday of finalising their XI for the first Test against the West Indies two days in advance of the start tomorrow. Influenced by the forecast for hot, dry weather for the coming week, by the preponderence of left-handers in the opposing order, by his recent success against much the same batting as he will encounter in the Test and by his current form, the home selectors opted to include offspinner Robert Croft.

The experienced medium-pacer Mark Ealham, like Croft an irregular member of the Test team, would have got the place had the predictions been for wetter, cooler conditions, but he and another quick bowler, Steve Harmison, have been sent back to their counties.

Croft, 30 last month, has played 15 spasmodic Tests for England, the last more than a year ago. But he snared eight West Indian wickets for Glamorgan in the second match of the tour, among them Brian Lara both times.

News from the Windies camp was that fast bowler Corey Collymore, who was unlikely to have been in the reckoning following his lengthy absence through his back injury, has now developed what team physiotherapist Ronald Rogers described as a 'mild strain' in his right bowling shoulder that effectively rules him out altogether.

Nasser Hussain (captain), Michael Atherton, Mark Ramprakash, Graeme Hick, Alec Stewart, Nick Knight, Andrew Flintoff, Robert Croft, Andrew Caddick, Darren Gough, Ed Giddins.