Pak ready for revenge and Nasser drops down the order

London, May 15: Pakistan will be out for revenge when the first Test against England starts here at Lord's on Thursday.

The tourists lost their unbeaten record at Karachi during winter when England won the third Test of three and took the series 1-0.

But Pakistan will have to be quick about their work: there are just two Tests on this tour, which serves as an appetizer for the five Test Ashes series here between England and Australia.

The decision to play just two Tests against Pakistan this summer, when series between the two sides here have usually been comprised of three and sometimes five matches has caused ill feeling.

Certainly Pakistan, a team with plenty of star names, deserves to be more than an Ashes warm-up act. However, Tim Lamb, the chief executive of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) insisted no slight was intended.

"It is completely wrong to suggest that the ECB's decision to host two Test matches against Pakistan this summer reflects poorly on the tourists," said Lamb.

"Our original plan for this summer was to play a six Test Ashes series against Australia only.

"However, following our new broadcasting deal with Channel Four and Sky in 1998, we agreed to expand the international match programme to seven Test matches per summer and introduce a triangular one-day tournament

"I can reassure Pakistan supporters that the ECB has the utmost respect for their team's ability.

"They are one of the most exciting sides to watch in world cricket and we will be looking to play a minimum of three Test matches and possibly four when Pakistan are next due to tour here again in 2006."

England, unusually, will start this series as favorites: they have won four series on the trot while Pakistan have won just once in their last six, although they did manage a 1-1 draw against New Zealand earlier this year.

Nevertheless, a number of their leading players - captain Waqar Younis, fast bowler Wasim Akram, leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed and off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq all have extensive experience of English conditions thanks to their time on the county circuit.

However, it will prove to be a handicap for two of their key batsmen - Yousuf Youhana and Inzamam Ul-Haq, neither of whom has yet played a major innings on tour.

Yousuf has so far managed naught, five and four while vice-captain Inzamam's contribution stands at 18 and 13.

Their pace attack will prefer an overcast Lord's to a lifeless slab in Lahore but it will be a tougher task for their batsmen, not that Pakistan's English coach Richard Pybus is unduly worried.

"Inzamam's such a key figure in our batting and I think he'll be fine. These are experienced Test players and guys like 'Inzi' know when to turn it on."

One player not expected to feature at Lord's is Shoaib Akhtar. The 'Rawalpindi Express,' as the fast bowler is known has been struggling with the after-effects of gastroenteritis and it seems as if 20-year-old Mohammad Sami will take his place.

"You can't get too techical so close to a Test match, specially with a raw kid," said Pybus. "But we have had a chat about the problem and Sami was relaxed."

England may also feature a change in the bowling line-up. Craig White is still struggling with a back injury and the management will not make a decision on the Yorkshire all-rounder's fitness until Thursday morning.

His absence could see White's county colleague Ryan Sidebottom, making his England debut and becoming the 10th son to follow his father in being capped by England - father Arnie played one Test against Australia in 1985.

Another newcomer to the squad, opening bat Ian Ward could drop down to number seven if England decides to seek extra batting insurance against the Pakistani quicks.

Thorpe confirmed Tuesday that, as widely trailed, England captain Nasser Hussain would be dropping down the order.

"Nasser has made the right decision. It was becoming obvious that he was struggling to handle batting at three," he said.

"It came as no surprise when he rang me to say he was going to do things differently this summer."

Home fans will hope for both while Pakistan will be desperate to restore their standing.

But bad weather, not unknown in England at this time of year, could ruin at least one Test in this all-too brief encounter.