England batsman Mark Butcher is set to appear before the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) within the next two weeks as they decide what sanctions he should face after saying Sri Lanka left-arm seamer Ruchira Perera threw during the first Test at Lord's. Butcher's remarks, which appeared in his local newspaper column, are being investigated by the ECB's discipline and standing committee for a breach of the International Cricket Council's (ICC) code of conduct.

The ECB originally imposed a fine on Butcher, believed to be around 1500 pounds. However, Butcher has chosen not to pay up. While he could still escape with a reprimand, Butcher now faces the prospect of more severe punishments including either a maximum fine of 2000 pounds or a suspension of up to five playing days.

Surrey batsman Butcher said of Perera, whose action was reported to the ICC by the umpires following the Lord's draw, that he "definitely straightens his arm". Under the Laws of Cricket bowlers are not permitted to do this in the final movement of their delivery action.

Butcher added: "It's not so bad when the ball is pitched up but when he bowls short, he just runs up and throws it at you - I can't believe someone gets away with it!"

Questioned about his remarks in the build-up to England's second Test win at Edgbaston, where Perera was replaced by Muttiah Muralitharan, Butcher admitted: "It was a bit silly of me really. It was in a conversational-type form in a column I have ghosted for me and I said it without really thinking - there was no malice involved in it.

"There's obviously going to be offence caused, but there's no bad feeling from my part or from the team towards the Sri Lankans. I've probably landed myself in a bit of hot water in certain quarters and I just hope they'll be gentle with me."

Australia wicket-keeper Adam Gilchrist was recently reprimanded by his own board for saying Muralitharan chucked.

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