England set for challenge
England leave for their tour of Pakistan this morning confident of a safe stay on the subcontinent but also well aware that it will be a difficult couple of months.
The squad gathered at Heathrow yesterday with the right noises being made about security in a country recently devastated by the Asian earthquake.
Captain Michael Vaughan was sure his team would have a positive effect on the country.
He said: “They’re fanatical about the game of cricket in Pakistan and by us touring there hopefully we can bring a little bit of joy back to their lives.” However, he was under few illusions over how hard the tour would be, despite the recent Ashes success against Australia.
“Pakistan are a very dangerous team. It will be a really tough test.”
“There will be conditions which some of our players haven’t played in. I think only four or maybe five of the team have played test cricket in the subcontinent ,so it’s going to be a real challenge,” he added.
England play three Tests and five oneday internationals in Pakistan.
The first test begins in Multan on 12 November. The squad are due to arrive tomorrow after a brief stop-over in Dubai.