Pakistan's Mohammad Sami is struggling to be fit for tomorrow's First Test against England at Lord's.

The 20-year-old fast bowler is reported to have a shin problem and will undergo a fitness test in the morning before a decision is made.

Waqar Younis: History is on Pakistan's side Photo © CricInfo

Meanwhile Pakistan captain, Waqar Younis, has revealed how he tried to convince England coach Duncan Fletcher to coach Pakistan after the pair worked together at Glamorgan.

Fletcher and Waqar helped Glamorgan win the County Championship and Waqar was effusive in praise of the man who has played a large part in turning around the fortunes of the England squad.

"He's the perfect man for the job. I asked him to come to Pakistan when I played the first year at Glamorgan," said Waqar.

"Duncan's a good man and a good coach, but now I'm on the other side. He co-ordinates well with the players, he understands the nature of the boys. England did well to give Duncan a longer period of time and he proved himself."

But Waqar will not let such respect impede him as he attempts to lead his side to victory. He is hoping that Pakistan's good record at Lord's will stand the team in good stead over the next few days.

"We've got a very good record at Lord's, I've been here twice: it's been very good to me and the team also. Hopefully if we put our act together it will do well again for us.

"The boys are really pumped up, they are really looking forward to it, and Lord's has got a special thing about it that everybody wants to come here and do well.

"We've won two Tests here and that will always stay in my mind. Starting this game I'll keep in my mind what we have done before and that's what we are looking forward to doing again."

Abdur Razzaq is likely to bat at number three, with Azhar Mahmood or Faisal Iqbal coming in at six.

"We have got a balanced side with a good all-rounder like Razzaq in the middle which really helps the team in both ways.

"We really depend more on bowling, this is our strength," Waqar suggested.

Waqar was also generous in praise of the England team, and admitted that his team were keen to avenge defeat in the winter when England snatched a series victory in an historic game in Karachi.

"England are playing well, in the last few series they have proved themselves and are looking a good unit. We have to play some really hard cricket to beat them, which we are aiming to do."

"Losing any game hurts, but then again it's all over," says Waqar. "We've got to think that it's Lord's now. I'm very proud that I'm here captaining at Lord's, which is probably the best ground in the world.

© CricInfo