Butcher faces second knee operation

Mark Butcher, the Surrey captain, faces a second operation on his knee to try and save his career.

He was injured at the start of June and didn't play again during the 2008 season after undergoing keyhole surgery. However, a further operation, involving micro-fracture surgery, has now been recommended.

"The doctors are pretty confident that this will work, so I'm hoping they are right," Butcher told the Get Surrey website. "The last few weeks have not been much fun on any score."

Surrey were relegated in the Championship after finishing bottom without a win, and the poor season cost Alan Butcher, Mark's father, his job as coach. The club are expected to begin a search for his replacement in a few weeks time once Gus Mackay, the new managing director, has settled into his role.