RSA_ENG_T2_PREMATCH_03AUG94

South Africa v England, Test 2, Headingley, 4-8 Aug 94, PREVIEW

Unfortunately, for him, Craig White has stress fractures of his shins and will not play again this summer. They are basically caused by overworking if the bones are not quite strong enough.It will be a 2-3 month lay off, and Illingworth has told him that if he is fit again by October he will be considered for the Ashes squad as he feels he has justified inclusion with his performances so far.

No reserve will be brought into the Test squad for Headingley though.

So Graham Thorpe will now definitely play. But it looks like the batting order may again be tampered with. BBC Radio 5 news last night reported suggestions that Gooch may open with Atherton again with Stewart batting at No.5. Six batsmen will be used, I take it Rhodes will play, so it will be down to a decision on the pitch. If it will take spin Tufnell will play, if it will be a seamers pitch then Benjamin will play. Gough pronounced himself fit after Sunday's match and plays. (Thanks Steve Fullerton)

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The Guardian this morning reported that the batting order would be: Gooch, Atherton, Hick, Thorpe, Stewart, Crawley.

They seemed fairly certain of it. They also reported that Alec Stewart doesn't like batting down the order. He hates waiting to bat, apparently. (Thanks Michael Jennings)