Lawson in the frame for England warm-up match

England could face Jermaine Lawson, the West Indies fast bowler, in the first match of their tour next week.

Lawson has not played a Test since May last year, in which he took 7 for 78 against Australia. He has since been out of action because of a suspect bowling action, on which he has been having remedial work, and back problems.

However, Jamaica's selectors are reportedly considering picking Lawson, 22, for a three-day warm-up match next week after watching him back in practice. "He bowled with some pace, the only problem was his accuracy," Robert Haynes, the coach, told the Jamaica Observer. "But he hasn't bowled for a long time so these things are expected. Once he is fit enough and the doctor gives the go-ahead, and the West Indies development coach Phillip Service agrees that he should play, I believe that he definitely should."

Dr Akshai Mansingh, the board's orthopaedic specialist, also sounded encouraging. "So far, he has done very well," Mansingh said. "He has prepared well in the nets and will have further sessions this week for us to see how he does."

Wavell Hinds, the top-order batsman, who was forced to return home during the recent tour of South Africa with a groin strain, could also make his comeback in that match.