John Crawley is optimistic that his injured back will be fully recovered in time for him to make a comeback to international cricket after an absence of three years.

Crawley, recalled to the England squad for the first Test against Sri Lanka, was encouraged by a prctice session with his team mates at Lord's today. He sustained the injury while batting for his new county, Hampshire, against Kent last week.

"We've had three or four sessions today and it's improved immeasurably. It should be 100 per cent tomorrow," Crawley said.

"It was a problem with a ligament on the left-hand side of the back. It's a minor problem but it was enough for me not to play for Hampshire against Gloucestershire.

"I have a strenuous day tomorrow to make sure there's no chance of a recurrence, but I don't think either the physios or I are worried," Crawley added.

Crawley was included in the 13-man England squad after a wonderful start to the season for his new club, including 272 in his first Championship innings.

It is understood that Warwickshire's 20-year-old batsman Ian Bell, who was considered for the original squad, is on standby to take Crawley's place.

"We will have to see how John is before we make any decisions about who we are likely to call up," said David Graveney, England's chairman of selectors.

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