Rain hits Pakistan plans

Pakistan's preparations for the First Test starting on Thursday suffered a blow today when their final warm-up game before Lord's was abandoned.

Rain meant no play on the third and final day of the match against Kent at Canterbury. The hosts were leading by 100 runs having reached 94 for three in their second innings.

However, there was some good news for the tourists with skipper Waqar Younis having recovered from a throat infection.

If Shoaib Akhtar, who has been struggling for fitness, is dropped for the match with England his place will go to 20-year-old Mohammed Sami whose pace and swing was impressive against Kent's weakened side.