A Test century before the millennium year is over would be icing on the cake for England cricketer Michael Vaughan.

The Yorkshire batsman has made a big impression since he made his debut for England against South Africa last winter and his textbook technique combined with a sound temperament has established him as a permanent fixture in the England set up.

But although his performances have often given the England batting line-up more substance, the magic three figure total has eluded him, a fact that appears to cause him few problems.

"It is something I want to get, but there are far more important things to worry about than that," he said.

"I want to feel I am making a contribution by getting decent scores because that is my job and if a century comes along that would be excellent.

"But I am not bothered by the fact I haven't got one yet. At the start of a Test series, I can't afford to have any negative thoughts drifting through my mind."

Vaughan admits the Pakistani side will serve up a stern test to England but says the confidence in the England camp after the summer's triumphs has equipped them to meet the challenge head on.

"Pakistan are up there with Australia and Sri Lanka as the sides who are hardest to beat on their own patch. I have never toured there at any level, but I have been to India and Sri Lanka where the pitches were very flat and gave a lot of help to the spinners.

"In some senses it doesn't really matter because we know we will have to be at our best regardless of the pitch conditions.

"We really want to build on the summer. Beating the West Indies for the first time in ages was very special and now we are trying to do the same to Pakistan, who we haven't beaten for 40 years."

"The team spirit is so strong at the moment, that even if we do not start very well against Pakistan, it will survive.

"On any tour, you will always have periods when things don't go as well as you hoped.

"But you have to fight your way through them and show enough conviction to bounce back.

"Your performance will be judged by what has happened at the end of the tour and that has to be remembered. This England team has some brilliant players who can stand comparison with anyone else in the world.

"It is down to the rest of us to rise to that level and make sure we all perform at our best and even extend those barriers.

"Cricket is a team game, but it is still the individual performances which win matches."

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