England slip to defeat in Pakistan

LAHORE – England’s preparations for the first test against Pakistan suffered another blow yesterday when they lost a three-day tour match to a Pakistan ‘A’ side by six wickets.

Already facing the possible absence of injured captain Michael Vaughan for the series opener starting in Multan on Saturday, England were unable to prevent the home team from overhauling a victory target of 245 with ease. Captain Hasan Raza, who struck an unbeaten 71, shared a fourth-wicket stand of 129 with Shahid Yousuf, who made 57, before Pakistan ‘A’ reached 246 for four in 52.2 overs with more than a session to spare.All rounder Andrew Flintoff’s return of three for 67 will have done little to lift the gloom in the England camp where serious doubts remain over the availability of Vaughan for the opening test.Vaughan twisted his right knee while going for a third run on Monday and results of a scan have been sent to medical specialists in London.-Nampa-ReutersCaptain Hasan Raza, who struck an unbeaten 71, shared a fourth-wicket stand of 129 with Shahid Yousuf, who made 57, before Pakistan ‘A’ reached 246 for four in 52.2 overs with more than a session to spare.All rounder Andrew Flintoff’s return of three for 67 will have done little to lift the gloom in the England camp where serious doubts remain over the availability of Vaughan for the opening test.Vaughan twisted his right knee while going for a third run on Monday and results of a scan have been sent to medical specialists in London.-Nampa-Reuters