News

England undone by excellent Ajmal

Chris Devine

Off-spinner Saeed Ajmal returned 7-55 as England stumbled to 192 all out on day one in Dubai, despite a defiant unbeaten 70 from Matt Prior. Pakistan duly reached stumps on 42 without loss.

X-ray shows no major injury for Bell

England batsman Ian Bell has been cleared of serious injury to his left wrist, which was struck at Monday's nets, and is expected to take his place in the XI to face Pakistan in the first Test at Dubai.

England on course for ICC jackpot

England will secure US$175,000 with victory in a single Test against Pakistan, or if they lose the series by one game. That will be enough to keep them top of the ICC rankings to the April 1 cut-off.

Minor injury scare for Broad

Stuart Broad had to leave England practice on Sunday after being hit on the left ankle while batting. However, a team spokesman confirmed there were no major concerns over the injury.

Rest essential for England - Morris

Chris Devine

Hugh Morris, managing director - England cricket, believes players and staff will have benefited greatly from the period of rest that preceded the series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates.

Swann prepared for hard graft

Graeme Swann is ready to bowl the marathon spells England may need from him if they are to defeat Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates.

Tremlett shrugs off injury fears

Chris Tremlett overcame the discomfort of an eye infection to help England to their second warm-up victory - and keep himself in contention for a place in Tuesday’s first Test line-up against Pakistan.

England complete comfortable win

Graham Onions and Monty Panesar both claimed three wickets as England won their final warm-up match ahead of the Test series against Pakistan with a 100-run victory over a PCB XI in Dubai.

Panesar prepared for Test recall

Monty Panesar, who took 5-57 against the PCB XI, is ready to finally play his 40th Test if England decide they require his services against Pakistan.

Five-star Panesar stakes claim

Spinner Monty Panesar picked up 5-57 from 29 overs as England, who closed on 82 without loss, took a healthy lead of 151 runs into the final day of their warm-up match against the PCB XI in Dubai.