Hussain takes one-day warning on board

Nasser Hussain has warned his players to keep England's unexpected proficiency against spin at Lahore in perspective, pointing to the recent one-day series as a reminder of Pakistan's ability to seize back the advantage.

After the success in securing a draw in the first Test, England's hopes of improving on performances in the back-to-back matches at Faislabad and Karachi to record a second Test victory in Pakistan in 30 years, have been boosted.

But captain Hussain will be worried if he sees any hint of over-confidence creeping into his side and will have little hesitation in recounting the cautionary tale of the one-day international series where Pakistan responded to an opening defeat by pulling off two comfortable victories.

"We were given a warning in those one-dayers," stressed Hussain.

"We had a great first game and the shift was noticeable from everyone saying we had no chance, after winning that game everyone was asking what Pakistan were doing and they showed what they are capable of.

"The same thing happened in the Test series with everyone saying we had no chance against spin and it would all be over in three days, and then we had a really good first Test.

"We've had that warning already and we know we can't give Pakistan a sniff - they're a very talented side who've got it in all departments, and we've known that all along.

"That's not to say that the wheels may not come off, but we know we can't take our foot off the gas and think we've sorted this game out, especially in this part of the world. It only takes a bad day and you're up against serious opposition and serious pressures."

But England have had relatively few bad days since arriving in Pakistan six weeks ago. Apart from those two one-day defeats, they have an unbeaten record in all cricket despite a lack of familiarity with the conditions.

"We've come to this part of the world and the cricket we've played in the first class games, the one-day games, the one-day warm-up games and the Test match has been good. Everything we've done so far has been heartening.

"We've learnt as we've gone along, the fitness levels have increased and everything has been a gently upward curve which is very pleasing, but we still have a lot of hard work to do."

And the emphasis over the next couple of days will be on hard work, Hussain continued.

"You look at good golfers, they keep practising and keep practising good habits. You don't just stop practising because you have a good day.

"The cricketers I've played with who've been successful, people like Alec Stewart and Michael Atherton, the better they are playing the more they make sure they keep a bat in their hand and keep in form.

"It's generally when you're not playing well that you get rid of your gear and throw it away for a couple of months. Since it has been going pretty well, we've just kept our work-rate up."

Hussain will be hoping his own efforts in the nets pay dividends when this Test gets underway. Despite only making 290 runs in 24 innings this year, the Engand captain maintains he is not out of form, just short of runs.

"I wasn't particularly hitting very well in the summer, there was something missing, but I feel that I've been hitting it well in Pakistan,'' he added.

"In the last week or so I've had a few ailments which have been a little hiccup in my progress, but since coming out here I've been pleased with the way I'm shaping up in the nets and the way I'm striking the ball.

"Obviously I need some Test runs, everyone does, but that's what I play the game for and the next 10 days will be important both personally and as England captain."