We're not favourites against magical Pakistan: Hussain

England cannot be considered favourites to beat Pakistan with magical bowlers like Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram still around, according to Nasser Hussain.

"I really don't know why we are strong favourites because Pakistan still have one of the best attacks in the world," the England captain told the Sunday Telegraph.

"Waqar, Wasim, Shoaib (Akhtar) and Saqlain (Mushtaq) can bowl everything and have a magic spell at any time."

England take on Pakistan in the first of two tests at Lord's starting on Thursday.

Shoaib Akhtar is hoping to be selected as part of the pace attack alongside veterans Wasim and Waqar but is struggling for match fitness after returning from injury.

He has also had to remodel his bowling action after being reported for throwing.

Hussain, however, said the 25-year-old 'Rawalpindi Express' remained as fearsome as ever. "I saw Shoaib on TV on Thursday amble in for his first ball and nearly take the Derbyshire opener's head off."

England have won their last four test series, including a 1-0 victory in Pakistan at the end of last year.

England Squad for the first test against Pakistan:

Nasser Hussain (capt), Michael Atherton, Marcus Trescothick, Graham Thorpe, Alec Stewart, Michael Vaughan, Ian Ward, Craig White, Dominic Cork, Robert Croft, Andrew Caddick, Darren Gough, Ryan Sidebottom.

Mail Cricket Editor