Mushtaq spoils England's start

England's cricketers slipped after a solid start to the First Test against Pakistan in Lahore today.

England's cricketers slipped after a solid start to the First Test against Pakistan in Lahore today.

After reaching 134 for the first wicket, they closed the day on 183 for 4 as Saqlain Mushtaq claimed four wickets for just 19 runs.

Atherton's 73 made him only the sixth Englishman to score more than 7,000 Test runs.

The only other consolation was that Thorpe and Hick were able to halt the rot with a 12-run partnership at the close of play.

Flintoff was ruled out after breaking his nose yesterday in a nets session following his recall to Pakistan.

England First Innings Day 1

M A Atherton c Youhana b Saqlain Mushtaq 73 M E Trescothick c Elahi b Saqlain Mushtaq 71 G P Thorpe not out 22 A J Stewart lbw b Saqlain Mushtaq 3 N Hussain c Akram b Saqlain Mushtaq 7 G A Hick not out 6 Extras b3 lb3 nb7 13

Total 4 wkts (84 overs) 195

Fall: 1-134 2-169 3-173 4-183

To Bat: C White, A F Giles, I D K Salisbury, A R Caddick, D Gough.