The latest statements by the chairman of selectors, David Graveney, represent a distinct change of tone and position. Having applied a warm sponge to the forehead of his captain in the wake of England's defeat in the Ashes series and the consoling victory at the Oval, he issued what was more like the crack of a whip yesterday.

Atherton missed the Roses match after the sixth Test to allow himself a few days of deliberation. Even if his conclusion is one which no one expects - namely that he has decided, after all, to carry on - straws in the wind suggest that it would no longer be a foregone conclusion that he would get the job. Yet Graveney had made it abundantly clear even before England beat Australia by 19 runs, not least because of astute captaincy on the final afternoon, that Atherton was his man for the West Indies, provided he wanted the job.

Discussions with his fellow selectors, Graham Gooch and Mike Gatting, and, no doubt, opinions sought or offered from other members of the England management board, seem to have changed the picture, to the extent that Atherton is no longer assured of the captaincy. It has, in any case, been evident for some time that the burden has become intolerable. Only an Ashes victory would have lightened the load.

A decision on his replacement will be made on Sunday. It looks likely that Stewart will be preferred, if only to buy time for Adam Hollioake or Nasser Hussain to make a case for becoming captain on a longer-term basis.