Sidebottom prepares for Test debut

Ryan Sidebottom was gearing up for his England Test debut today in place of his Yorkshire colleague Craig White.

Quick bowler Sidebottom will appear against Pakistan in the First Test along with another debutant, Surrey's Ian Ward.

After it had been announced yesterday that White would be left out because of his back problems, England coach Duncan Fletcher said: "We've got a guy like Ryan who's bowling well and it's very important for an individual when he gets a gap to make sure you are ready for it.

"He had a good A tour and hopefully he can come in and produce the goods."

Fletcher added: "He's done well where he's played in the big games in the West Indies and he's looked pretty relaxed in the changing room; just looking at him he looks as though nothing seems to excite him too much, which is quite good.

"Hopefully he does go out there and do it. At the end of the day, we'll only find that out in the next couple of Test matches whether mentally he's got it.

"We are confident that as a bowler, he's got the potential to be an effective Test bowler."

Ward was England A's most consistent batsman on their winter tour of the West Indies.

He is expected to bat at No 7 and, along with Dominic Cork at No 8, will be given the task of shepherding the lower order.