Tremlett given extra week to prove fitness

England are believed to have given Chris Tremlett another week to prove his fitness for England's tour of Pakistan which starts later this month.

Tremlett, who has been suffering from a sore knee since August, underwent a fitness test at Loughborough University on Monday which was conducted by Peter Gregory, the ECB's chief medical officer. "We will know a little more in the morning" said Gregory, "but he has been making progress and at this stage it is likely that he will be given a few more days."

If Tremlett does not recover, England will need two replacements following Simon Jones's withdrawal last week. But while Jones's absence will be a major blow, that of Tremlett would be less so. He struggled for form in the second half of the season, and was dropped from the England squad for the final Test at The Oval.

Liam Plunkett, one of the quickest bowlers in the academy, has been named as Jones' replacement.