Following the tour to India before Christmas the England team management called for a full investigation into Somerset fast bowler Richard Johnson's knee injury, to see whether or not it would stand up to the rigours of test match cricket.

Initially the feeling was that he would need surgery, but after a full investigation by one of the leading knee surgeons all parties were relieved to hear that this was not the case.

Chief Executive Peter Anderson told me earlier today, "Coach Kevin Shine and the cricket management team are well aware of what Richard Johnson can or cannot do in terms of physical terms to play cricket.

With that sensible management approach he improved last season. He is capable of bowling long spells and taking wickets, and there is no reason why he can't do the same for England."

Johnson, who celebrated his twenty seventh birthday just after Christmas, joined Somerset before the start of the 2001 season.

During the summer he was called up three times as a last minute stand by for the England squad but each time was disappointed.

He was not in the initial squad for the Indian test match series , but was drafted in when his Somerset team mate Andy Caddick withdrew. On the tour he played in one warm up game during which he took four wickets.

© SOMERSET