Atherton is England stand-in captain

Michael Atherton was named as England's stand-in captain on Thursday for the second Ashes Test against Australia, replacing the injured Nasser Hussain.

The selectors opted for experience rather than youth, giving the job to Atherton ahead of fellow opening batsman Marcus Trescothick after England lost last week's first Test by an innings and 118 runs.

Hussain broke a finger in that match at Edgbaston, the second time he has suffered a hand fracture this season and the fourth time in the last two years.

He is expected to be sidelined for around three weeks, which could also see him struggling to make the third Test at Trent Bridge starting on August 2.

The 33-year-old Atherton led England from 1993-1998 in 52 Tests after taking over from Graham Gooch.

The 26-year-old Trescothick, who captained England at under-19 level, has played only 12 Tests compared to Atherton's 111.

Earlier, Alec Stewart, another former England captain, ruled himself out of contention for the job. He had replaced the injured Hussain in the second Test against Pakistan, as well as in last month's one-day triangular tournament against Australia and Pakistan.

Mark Butcher, who returned to the England side for the first Test after an 18-month absence, also said he did not want to be considered.

The second Test at Lord's begins on July 19.

Mail Cricket Editor