England sweat over Vaughan's fitness by AFP

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Player:	MP Vaughan
Event:	England in Pakistan 2005/06

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DateLine: 14th November 2005

 

England are still unsure whether skipper Michael Vaughan will be fit for next week's second cricket Test against Pakistan at Faisalabad, an official said Monday.

 

"Vaugahn had batting practice and did a light running, but it is too early to say whether he will be fit for the second Test," said England team media manager Andrew Walpole.

 

The 31-year-old Vaughan, ruled out of the ongoing first Test here due to a knee injury, had earlier said he would do his best to regain fitness before the second Test.

 

"There is a slight chance I might be fit for the second Test, so I am going to give myself the best (shot)," said Vaughan, who twisted his right knee during a warm-up match at Lahore last week.

 

"If I don't get fit by the second Test then I'll have to disappear. But I'm going to give it my best try."

 

The second Test of the three-match series starts at Faisalabad on Nov 20.

 

The England medical team last week said the scan showed no tear damage to the cartilage but since Vaughan had a history of knee injuries it would be assessed on a regular basis.

 

Vaughan had an operation on the same knee in 2003. He suffered the same injury again on the eve of the first Test against New Zealand at home last year.

 

England, who are on a high after their September's Ashes win over Australia, were in a strong position in Vaughan's absence in the opening Test against the hosts.

 

They scored 418 in their first innings in reply to Pakistan's 274.

(Article: Copyright © 2005 AFP)