Butcher joins 'chucker' row

Mark Butcher is in trouble after passing critical comments on Sri Lankan fast bowler Ruchira Perera.

England bosses and the International Cricket Council were today investigating Butcher's remarks in his newspaper column that left no doubt he thought Perera was guilty of 'chucking' during the Lord's Test.

"It was a bit silly of me, really," confessed Butcher. "But there wasn't any malice involved and I'll try to make that clear to the Sri Lankans."

Butcher could be reprimanded or even fined for breaking the ICC code of conduct which prohibits players from making derogatory comments about opponents.

County Championship, Div 2. Chelmsford: Derbyshire 158 & 199, Essex 168 & 26-3.