Kirtley has voiced his desire to play on Saturday and England coach Duncan Fletcher and captain Nasser Hussain are determined to back the young fast bowler.

The 26-year-old can still play despite being reported by referee Colonel Naushad Ali on Thursday but he will be under intense pressure if he is picked.

More importantly, Kirtley faces a 12-month ban if he is reported three times in a year.

Competition for places

Fletcher reacted to the news by announcing that Kirtley may still play.

"James' name will go in the hat for Saturday's match like everybody else and once Nasser and I have had a chat we'll pick the side.

"But whether he plays or not will have nothing to do with this," Fletcher said.

Hoggard has been the pick of the bowlers and was rested for the fourth match

Silverwood, the only player yet to feature on this trip, is almost certain to play providing he recovers from a slight back problem

England are also reportedly keen to see Middlesex batsman Owais Shah again after he suffered a second-ball duck in his first outing on Wednesday.

Fletcher and Hussain faced a difficult selection meeting in any case, but Colonel Naushad Ali has added an unwelcome twist to their deliberations.

Speaking in his BBC Sport Online column, Kirtley said he was grateful for the support he had received from England's management and from home.

Gough's support

He revealed that England fast bowler Darren Gough had also been in touch.

"I have been very grateful for all the support I have received, whether it has come from friends and family or from other cricketers," he said.

"I've had backing in Zimbabwe from Duncan Fletcher, Nasser Hussain and the rest of the England party, and back home from Sussex and my coach Peter Moores.

"It was also very warming to have support from Darren Gough, as he is a bowler I high hold in such high regard and he bowls in a similar way.

"It is ironic that if he had decided to tour this winter I might not have got my chance to impress on this tour."