Marcus Trescothick can finally concentrate his mind on captaining England in the first Test against Pakistan in place of the injured Michael Vaughan.

Trescothick received confirmation yesterday what he surely must have been suspecting from the moment Vaughan crumpled to the ground in a heap clutching his right knee in the match against Pakistan A in Lahore.

England were loath to make a quick decision on the extent of Vaughan's injury or how badly it would curtail his part in a three-match series beginning in Multan tomorrow.

But it was confirmed yesterday that he will be unable to lead his Ashes heroes this weekend, and his role will be filled by his deputy Trescothick.

The Somerset batsman - who led England to victory in his sole Test in charge, in similar circumstances against New Zealand at Lord's last year - knows he has a tough act to follow.

On hearing of his elevation, he said: ''Michael has a superb record as captain, and to lose him for the first Test is a major blow.

''But we can take strength from the fact that we have played some outstanding cricket over the past 18 months and we are all up for the challenge.

''For me personally it is always a great honour to lead your country. I have fond memories of doing the job before against New Zealand and I am happy to take on the responsibility again.''

This time, Trescothick will lead a team which has a vastly different look - particularly in the middle order - to the one that beat the Kiwis after Vaughan suffered his second bout of cartilage trouble in the same right knee while batting in the Lord's nets.

Out-of-form Ian Bell is the most obvious candidate to take the captain's batting spot at No 3, despite the arrival today of Essex youngster Alastair Cook.

Where former captain Nasser Hussain, veteran Graham Thorpe and Mark Butcher were in situ the last time Trescothick led England, now it will be the mercurial Kevin Pietersen, Paul Collingwood and probably Bell.

Durham all-rounder Collingwood is now certain to earn his fourth Test cap.

Bell, 23, has struggled badly in recent appearances for England, so much so that he was not chosen for their final warm-up match at Bagh-e-Jinnah, where captain and coach were on record as saying the anticipated Test line-up was being fielded.

He is determined not to let down a team who have hardly had the ideal preparation for what is sure to be a tough series.

''When your captain goes down it is not a great thing,'' conceded Bell. ''But we have a good squad and we hope all the guys who are not involved stay ready in case they are needed.

''We have enjoyed every minute of the tour so far. When you are in this part of the world you have to adapt very quickly.''

England will need to be ready to produce their best, according to Pakistan vice-captain Younis Khan, who warned the hosts should not be under-estimated.

Pakistan are expected to play one specialist spinner in Danish Kaneria as well as all-rounder Shahid Afridi alongside a three-man pace attack.

The well-rolled and grassed pitch looks sure to favour the batsmen for at least three days.

Pakistan have a point to prove against tourists who beat them on their last trip and have won their last six Test series.

''It will be very tough, and England are on a high,'' said Younis.

''But all the people who are writing us off are wrong. We have proved to the world that we are an improving side and we are on our way to the top.

''The boys have been together for the last two years, and the team is shaping up pretty well.

''The top-order failure in the last year has put pressure on me, (Mohammad) Yousuf and Inzamam (-ul-Haq). But we will be all right."