ISLAMABAD, Oct 29: England captain Michael Vaughan celebrated his 31st birthday poolside in the Pakistani capital on Saturday with hugs and cheers from his team-mates. “All the players gathered at the swimming pool of their hotel and gave Vaughan best wishes (and a) birthday card as the captain cut the cake,” team media manager Andrew Walpole said.

England are in Pakistan for a 58-day tour with the first Test starting in Multan on Nov 12. They will play three Tests and five One-day Internationals.

The tour comes after England claimed their first Ashes victory in 16 years, beating Australia 2-1 earlier this year.

The Yorkshire batsman’s calm leadership has been credited with lifting England’s performance which culminated in the Ashes victory.

Since taking over as captain from Nasser Hussain, Vaughan has led England in the same number of Tests as his age.—AFP