BBC SPORT | ENGLAND V PAKISTAN | A race against time

England all-rounder Craig White offers his exclusive thoughts to BBC Sport Online in the lead-up to the first Test against Pakistan.

I've been troubled with a stiff back and I'm struggling to be fit for the first Test.

The problem is on my lower back on the left-side and it gets sore when I try and bowl fast.

Bowling at 70% may be acceptable for first class cricket, but it isn't good enough for Test match cricket.

In Tests I'll probably get found out and unless I'm 100% fit I don't think I'll be playing.

The injury first raised its head in Sri Lanka when I was a bit sore and it was decided to give it four weeks' rest.

Ryan Sidebottom and Duncan Flecther
Sidebottom has fitted into the squad well
But it hasn't felt any better so now it's a case of wait and see.

I've had some scans done and will be waiting for the results of those before making a decision.

It doesn't hurt too much when I'm batting, but if I'm batting at number eight I will be expected to bowl and it all depends on how I'm bowling on whether they play me or not.

I think the management is keen to give me as much time as possible to recover and be 100% fit for the game.

I'm not sure what the team line-up will be if I don't play, but my Yorkshire team-mate Ryan Sidebottom could be in the frame.

He has come into the side and he's doing well.

He's fitted in well with all the boys and I think he's enjoyed himself so far and he's just waiting for his turn.

Pakistan are full of dangerous players and obviously we'll have to be on top of our game to beat them

Craig White

Matthew Hoggard, who has been troubled with a back problem, also bowled today but I don't know whether he's in the frame or whether he'll play against Essex.

I've not really been keeping abreast of what Pakistan have been doing on tour because I prefer to keep out of that.

I just turn up and sort myself out and do the best preparation I can do.

I try not to think too much about the opposition as I'll see enough of them over the five days of the Test.

But it'll be nice to see the back of them if I'm bowling to them.

Pakistan are full of dangerous players and obviously we'll have to be on top of our game to beat them.

They'll be up for it after we beat them in Pakistan and they'll be out to turn the tables on us.


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