Vaughan hopeful of playing in second Test

Michael Vaughan will wait until the eve of the second Test at Faisalabad before deciding whether he is fit to play. "We will make a decision on Saturday," said Vaughan. "But I don't want to miss any more games and I am happy just to be in contention to play the Test."

If he does return, then it will represent a remarkable recovery; at the weekend it was being rumoured that he might have to fly home, so serious was the injury. "It's surprising how things turn around," he said. "Last week I thought the tour was over for me. I have worked very hard with the physio and rehab team to give myself a chance of playing again. I will train with the team tomorrow and do everything they do, probably more ... I'm quite hopeful I'll be available.

"I guess there's a slight risk if I do play but I'm willing to take that risk given the position of the series. Tomorrow I'll do some turning and twisting and see how it comes through."

England's overall poor display with the bat at Multan will increase the pressure on Vaughan to play, and if Marcus Trescothick is forced to return to England - a decision is expected before Saturday - then the situation becomes even more desperate.

But should both Vaughan and stand-in captain Trescothick miss out, there seems to be some confusion as to who will lead the side. Some sources claim that Ashley Giles is on stand-by, others than Andrew Flintoff will be asked to take charge.