Cricket: England slip to defeat in tour match

LAHORE - England's preparations for the first cricket test against Pakistan suffered another blow today 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 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 245 for four in 52.2 overs.

Allrounder 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 yesterday and results of a scan were expected overnmight (NZ time).

Pakistan A, resuming on their overnight score of 31 for one, suffered an early blow when opener Imran Farhat was forced to retire hurt on 24 after being struck on the fingers by fast bowler Flintoff.

Nightwatchman Shahid Nazir established a good platform for the home side with a brisk 43 from just 31 balls before being bowled by Flintoff, who also caught and bowled Faisal Athar for eight in an impressive seven-over spell.

Raza and Yousuf then combined to put Pakistan A on the brink of victory at 232 for four when Yousuf was given out leg before wicket to Flintoff.

- REUTERS