England weather heat and illness

If dehydration does not get you then a dodgy curry probably will. At least, that has been the popular view among English cricketers touring Pakistan for half a century or more.

But while Nasser Hussain's squad recorded their first stomach upset victim within 24 hours of arriving here and then found themselves practising in temperatures nudging 100 degrees, these Brits abroad are being encouraged to adopt a more positive approach.

Matthew Hoggard, England's novice fast bowler, can expect at least his fair share of mickey-taking once he recovers from the bug that confined him to quarters yesterday.

There are no plans, however, to send home for a microwave oven and a supply of baked beans; both considered essential items by some cricketers on recent visits to this part of the world.

"We give the players general dietary advice wherever we go in the world, including at home," said physiologist Nigel Stockill who, together with physiotherapist Dean Conway, is responsible for trying to keep England's squad fit and healthy.

"Over here, where food is prepared differently to what we are used to, it's important to be aware of the sort of things that can cause us problems.

"The guidelines include always using bottled water, even while cleaning your teeth, avoid salads and buffets and go for food that is hot, preferably steaming.

"This is general advice for healthy eating. But it is particularly important for us because if three or four players went down with a bug at the same time it could have serious consequences for the team's chances of success. There is plenty of variety among the restaurants here, so it should just be a question of the lads being sensible."

The absence of alcohol throughout much of Pakistan will prevent England from drowning sorrows following defeats or partying in the traditional British manner after any victories. But Stockill will make sure the players are never far from a drink this winter - purely in the interests of fluid replacement.

"During a two-hour net session, and given the heat and humidity levels we've experienced here already, some of the bowlers could lose up to half a stone," he said.

"They must take on board plenty of water and special drinks before, during and after their spells. If not, performance - and, ultimately, health - can suffer.

"Fast bowlers can lose up to three and a half litres of sweat in an hour in extreme conditions, so it's vital they rehydrate before they dehydrate."

Vikram Solanki and Mark Alleyne are due to guest for an Asian XI against Pakistan tonight in the first floodlit match to be staged at Karachi's National Stadium. Neither played in Kenya and coach Duncan Fletcher jumped at the chance to give them some match practice.

England have two warm-up contests against local opposition on Friday and Sunday before next Tuesday's first one-day international.

Meanwhile, coach Javed Miandad and seven of his senior players have been ordered to attend "crisis talks" today following the latest fall-out in Pakistani cricket.

Former captain Miandad and the so far unnamed members of his squad are said to be in dispute over the distribution of prize money awarded in last week's ICC Knockout Trophy.