Vaughan out of third Test

Michael Vaughan will not play in the third and final Test of the series against Pakistan. The England management team have decided not to risk the Yorkshireman who strained a calf muscle against a Governor's XI in Peshawar before the first Test.

The announcement concludes a miserable tour for Vaughan who has been plagued by injuries since his international debut against South Africa. The news may come as a relief to Graeme Hick however. The Worcester man has been short of form and confidence, and unless the selectors decide to plump for Andy Flintoff (who was dismissed by the only ball he has faced since he rejoined the tour), Hick will have a final chance to repay the faith of the selectors.

It is a crucial game for England and Hick. Even his most loyal fans are beginning to wonder if the time has finally come to give up on the under achieving Zimbabwe born batsman. His place on the tour of Sri Lanka that begins in late January is not absolutely secure.

Nasser Hussain explained the situation with Vaughan:"He's not passed his fitness test. He's about 80% fit and he could probably play in a county game, but not a Test match so he won't be risked."

Although England are expected to play the same XI as in the second Test, there is a chance that Nixon will have the opportunity to replace Stewart behind the stumps, and that Salisbury may make way for Hoggard.

"Alec (Stewart) has got a bit of tennis elbow which I've had in the past," revealed Hussain. "It is sore at the moment, but there's only about a 1% chance he won't be fit in the morning. He obviously holds the key to the balance of our side so we're going to see how he is in the morning and we'll give him until then to tell us how fit he is. Matthew Hoggard is also a bit sick so we've a couple of things to think about."