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Ian Botham and Leicestershire coach Jack Birkenshaw have been drafted in as observers for the Test series against New Zealand which follows the World Cup.

``We already have an unofficial network of contacts throughout the game to help the selectors in the assessment of players,'' said David Graveney, the chairman of selectors, ``''but Jack and Ian have vast cricketing knowledge and experience, a proven record of success, and see a large amount of cricket during the course of the season. As such it makes sense to use that knowledge.''

Birkenshaw's appointment is a clear indication that he is not seen as the man to succeed David Lloyd as England coach. The England Management Advisory Committee met at Lord's on Monday to approve a short-list of four candidates, one of whom was Birkenshaw, but the front runners now are plainly Bob Woolmer, the Englishman who coaches South Africa, and Duncan Fletcher, the Glamorgan-based Zimbabwean.

Michael Atherton has conceded that he might have done better to follow Graham Thorpe's example and abandon his Ashes tour last winter in an attempt to resolve his back problems.

Atherton has not played since the fourth Test in Melbourne at the end of December, and only lasted that long in Australia thanks to cortisone injections. ``In retrospect it might have been better to do the same as Thorpe and come home and get it right sooner, because the injections only mask the pain, not cure it. The problem is just wear and tear on a disc and it isn't degenerative,'' he said at Acklam Park in Middlesbrough yesterday, where rain washed out the first day's play in his comeback match - the Roses second XI confrontation.

Former Leicestershire batsmen Tim Boon has been appointed coach of England Under-19s. He replaces John Abrahams, who has stepped down to spend more time with his family. Abrahams guided his team to victory in the Under-19 World Cup in South Africa during his three years in charge.

England play three Tests and three one-day games against Australia Under-19s later this summer.

Worcestershire will take on a World XI at New Road on Friday. The 50-over game replaces the county's scheduled four-day match against New Zealand, who are still involved in the World Cup.