Gloves off as selectors think over Stewart role

The immovable object or the irresistible force? It's make your mind up time for England, who must decide whether they start another summer with the rock-like Alec Stewart or join a widespread and increasingly vociferous campaign for change.

Nasser Hussain's voluntary removal from the selection panel and the addition of Australian Rod Marsh brings a fresh and slightly unpredictable flavour to the mix.

Chairman David Graveney, coach Duncan Fletcher, Geoff Miller and Marsh met in Manchester last night and were expected to compare notes again today before tomorrow's announcement of a squad, probably 13 strong, for next week's First Test against Zimbabwe at Lord's.

Having centrally contracted 11 players, including 40-year-old Stewart, you might think a 10-minute meeting to identify two extra recruits should be sufficient. But it's seldom that simple in English cricket.

For a start there are injuries, with both Andrew Flintoff (shoulder) and Andrew Caddick (foot) facing late fitness checks.

Graveney said: "As selectors, we aim to achieve a balance between winning today and planning for tomorrow."

If England decide they must pick their best available side, then the Stewart will be picked. Thirteen years after he won the first of 126 Test caps, the Surrey veteran remains head and shoulders above every other batsman-keeper in the country. But youth is not on his side and James Foster or Chris Read both have decent claims.

The one spare batting slot would appear to rest between Ashes tourists John Crawley and Robert Key. Both men had their moments, good and bad, but Key, 24, may win over

Crawley, 31, although both should make the squad. Jim Troughton and Will Jefferson deserve serious consideration.

Possible squad: M Vaughan, M Trescothick, M Butcher, N Hussain (capt), R Key, J Crawley, A Stewart (wkt), A Flintoff, A Giles, A Caddick, J Anderson, M Hoggard, S Harmison.