England's old guard up to the task

London, May 14: England's old guard of John Crawley and Dominic Cork insisted they were up to the task following shock recalls for Thursday's first Test against Sri Lanka at Lord's.

Crawley's inclusion in the 13-man squad, named on Saturday, was the bigger surprise given that he has not played Test cricket for three years.

Hopes of a comeback later this week have been thrown into doubt by a recent back injury sustained while playing for Hampshire but the former Lancashire captain was optimistic.

"The back is a lot better today than yesterday," he told reporters at Lord's on Monday. It was a minor problem with a lower left ligament.

"Yesterday it was a bit sore and that's why I wasn't able to take the field for Hampshire. But over three or four pool sessions it's improved immeasurably and should be up to 100 percent by tomorrow (Tuesday)."

Many felt that Crawley's inclusion was a blow for youngsters such as Warwickshire's Ian Bell, who had been tipped to be in the squad.

Crawley insisted he still had his best years ahead of him. "I've only just turned 30. The prime of my career should be in the next five years," he said.

Although he was in many ways the forgotten man of English cricket, Crawley hit the headlines during the close season.

He was desperate to leave Lancashire despite being one year in to a three-year contract after being stripped of the county captaincy following a disappointing season.

Lancashire were determined to keep hold of the player and a bitter row ensued with Crawley bringing on board Cherie Blair, the British Prime Minister's wife and an employment lawyer, to argue his case.

Eventually a settlement was agreed and Crawley went to Hampshire.

He denied however this made him the 'Bosman of cricket'. "I don't know about that. All I hope is that no other player goes through anything like this again."

Crawley, whose highest Test score of 156 not out was made against Sri Lanka at The Oval in 1998, has never nailed down a place in the side.

"I've never been one to moan. I've had some good chances but techically I've struggled outside off-stump."

Crawley began this season with a double century and has forced his way back in.

Cork's all-round form captaining Derbyshire has seen him called back for his first Test since taking one for 84 against Australia here at Lord's last season.

He insisted Monday he was back to his best bowling form. "I've worked very hard on my fitness over the winter," said Cork who added that video analysis had helped him correct faults in his action.

Unlike some players who are overawed by playing at 'the home of cricket', 30-year-old Cork loves Lord's.

He made his England debut there, taking seven for 43 against West Indies in 1995 and three years later at Lord's claimed six for 119 against South Africa.

And in 2000, his memorable 33 not out at Lord's guided England to a Test win over the West Indies.

"I find it a nice thing that people think I've had some success at Lord's. I enjoy playing at this ground. If I could play every game here I would do.

"It's the history and the atmosphere which is fantastic even though there's only 24,000 in the ground.

"To walk through the Long Room and see all the names in the home dressing room...if that does not inspire you nothing will."