All the same it was an uncomfortable hour spent first on the pavement outside the Holiday Inn and then in makeshift lodgings until the all-clear was given by the police on Wednesday afternoon.

Physiotherapist Dan Kiesel was in his room when the alarm went. ``I thought it was just a practice but when I went into the corridor there was nobody about and when I went down to the lobby that was empty too.''

He emerged into the street to find police clearing the area. Many of the players were standing in the chilly afternoon wrapped only in towels. Eventually taxis took them to another hotel until it was safe to return to their lodgings.

Police believe a hoaxer had been attracted by seeing the bus bearing the team name outside the hotel. But after his first century against England, Ijaz was more concerned to talk about the difficulties of the pitch. ``The ball was seaming around, particularly in the first couple of hours, and while it was keeping low when pitched on middle stump, there was a lot of bounce on and outside off.

``That was where I decided to go for my runs. I don't like to drive, I prefer to cut when I can.''

Ijaz said Pakistan would have batted first if they had won the toss. He explained: ``So being put in didn't worry us. I think if we get 350 we will have enough runs for our bowlers to cause problems.''

England coach David Lloyd watched the day's play through dark glasses - the result of an allergy which made him ``pretty dozy''.

He conceded that it had been ``a gamble, a risk, call it what you want'' to put Pakistan in. ``But you have to be brave to make that decision. You can't die wondering if . . .''

Lloyd agreed that it had been Pakistan's day. He said: ``They played positive cricket which helped them. Ijaz was not a pretty sight at the crease, but effective. He threw the kitchen sink at the ball sometimes, interspersed with some fine shots.'' Of the final team selection Lloyd added: ``It was our best option for Headingley.''