LONDON, Oct 10: England’s cricket selectors are waiting to hear whether Hampshire’s Chris Tremlett will be passed fit for tour to Pakistan. The 6ft 7ins seamer faces a make or break fitness test after been plagued by a knee problem since May.

Simon Jones has already been ruled out of tour as he needs surgery on his right ankle.

“We have discussed worse case scenario of selecting two bowlers if Chris is not fit, but let’s hope he is fit,” chief selector David Graveney said.

He played three one-day internationals in June and marked his Debut by taking 4-32 against Bangladesh at Trent Bridge. He was picked in four Test squads for Ashes series against Australia without making final XI.

But if passed fit, his chances of playing a Test in Pakistan look bright in Jones’s absence, although he faces competition for a place from Lancashire’s James Anderson.

Durham youngster Liam Plunkett has already been picked for one-day series in Pakistan and could be asked to go on full tour, while Sajid Mahmood would be an obvious candidate for promotion from National Academy squad.

Alternatively, England could turn to more experienced bowlers like Jon Lewis, James Kirtley, Andy Caddick or left-armer Ryan Sidebottom.—PPI