Pakistan, England pledge to set aside history

Shortly before the two-month tour Pakistani players face another match-fixing inquiry concerning their controversial defeats in last year’s World Cup matches against Bangladesh and India.

On the other hand the tourists face a pay cut from England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the problem may aggravate.

England’s first tour of Pakistan in 13 years includes three limited over internationals, three Tests and as many side games.

The first One-Day International is set for October 24 in Karachi.

England’s last tour in 1987 was nearly cancelled when a day’s play was lost in the Faisalabad Test after then England captain Mike Gatting and Pakistani umpire Shakoor Rana engaged in a verbal row.

“I was at school in 1987 and what I am bothered about is history of the two teams and how the wicket would behave at Faisalabad,” said Hussain, born in Chennai, India, about the Faisalabad incident.

Five players Michael Atherton, Michael Vaughan, Dominik Cork, Paul Nixon and Ian Salisbury will join the team for the Test series later this month.Hussain dismissed ace Pakistani pacer Wasim Akram’s view that England stand no chance in Pakistan.

“What Wasim said is his view but we have to be at our best as we counter different conditions and a good Pakistan side.”

Akram had said Pakistani spinners could bowl England to a 3-0 whitewash.England have not won a series against Pakistan since their 2-1 home win in 1982. Pakistan beat them in England in 1987, 1992 and 1996.

Pakistan also won the 1987-88 series 1-0.

“We have a good opportunity to play quality spinners and our spinners also have a good chance to prove their worth,” Hussain said.England recently beat the West Indies 3-1 in the five-match home series while Pakistan lost their last three home series.