England captain Nasser Hussain has revealed that he is considering a move down the batting order prior to the First Test against Pakistan later this week.

Nasser Hussain Photo © PA Sport

"I'm constantly reviewing what's best for the team and one of the options is for Michael Vaughan to move up to number three as he looks such a natural player up the order," said Hussain.

But Hussain is keen not to move too far down the batting line-up, having established himself as an international class batsman in the top four.

Hussain came back into the England team in 1996, making two centuries against India and claiming the number three place as his own, solving what had been a problem position historically.

Runs continued to flow for him including a magnificent double-century against Australia at Edgbaston, and another century at Leeds, both times coming in at number four. Back at number three he scored further centuries against South Africa, and though he subsequently endured a much publicised barren run, a return to form in Kandy.

It would be something of a surprise then, if he were to drop down the order any lower than number four, leaving the possibility that Ian Ward will make his debut at number seven, with White and Cork following him in a strong line-up.

Hussain insists that any move would be to improve the team's balance, not an attempt to shy away from a problem.

"I've batted all my career at three and four and I've been batting well this summer and don't want to do something alien like bat at five and six. We won't be making any changes for negative reasons, just to get the best out of every player in the right position."

Meanwhile Ryan Sidebottom has stressed that he hopes to play on Thursday. Many followers of the game have been expecting him to be one of the players left out of the starting XI but the young Yorkshireman is keen to make the most of his call-up.

"I'm upbeat about my chances of playing," said Sidebottom. "I'm going down there (Lord's) determined to enjoy the experience. It will be a great experience for me and a good opportunity to learn from established England Test players, which should help me improve my game."

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