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Mark Butcher previews England's huge summer of cricket, and talks Palace

Mark Butcher, fondly known as Butch, hung up his gloves a decade ago at his home ground The Oval, bringing a spirited cricket career to a close. On the eve of England's opening game of the ICC Cricket World Cup at the iconic south London ground, Butcher spoke with cpfc.co.uk about their chances, his career, his beloved Surrey CCC, the famous red and blue and a special relationship with Steve Kember.

England’s cricketers are about to embark upon what could be a life-changing summer for themselves, and indeed – the game. England and Wales host the ICC Cricket World Cup which begins tomorrow (May 30) – with the home nation doing so as firm favourites, before looking to regain the Ashes in favourable conditions in August.