Butcher, who had been receiving treatment for a thigh strain, will be assessed by the team physio but his hopes of extending an unbroken run of 42 Test appearance appear in doubt.

England have a ready-made replacement in Rob Key, the first batsman to 1,000 first-class runs in England this season.

"I'll just have to see what the medics say, because I've got no idea how it's going to affect me," Butcher said.

He has been a key figure for England over the past four years, although he was short of form in the recent home series against New Zealand, scoring 105 runs in the three Tests at an average of 21.

Butcher's hopes of playing in his 43rd consecutive Test dimmed when the left-hander withdrew from Surrey's match on Sunday.