Trescothick had captaincy doubt

Trescothick captained England to victory at Lord's in 2004

Marcus Trescothick has admitted he was in two minds about accepting the England captaincy for the first Test against Pakistan in Multan on Saturday.

Trescothick was given the job after injury ruled out Michael Vaughan.

Trescothick said: "I talked to my wife about it, asking if she thought it was the right thing to do.

"But I'm unofficial second in command and I believe it was the right thing to step up. It is exciting to think I could be in charge for a few weeks."

Trescothick led England to victory at Lord's against New Zealand in 2004, the last time Vaughan's knee prevented him from playing.

But he insists he has no interest in taking over as skipper on a more permanent basis.

Not having Vaughan is a major loss. The team although full of individual talent needs a leader like Vaughan From AB Have your say on TMS

"I know there is a chance I maybe won't be a one-match wonder this time - it could be the whole series," he said.

"But being very close to Michael, I've seen the things it (captaincy) does to you.

"I've seen him go through tough times, and that's probably put me off a little bit.

"It's a 24-hour-a-day job. Even when he's back home I know he spends a lot of time on the phone.

"There are a lot of other problems outside when the games are on that you have to deal with. Whoever takes over, it is a tough job to do."

Chairman of selectors David Graveney believes Trescothick will not have to look far for support and advice, if he needs it.

"I'm sure he'll lean on the senior players like Freddie (Flintoff), Ashley (Giles) and Straussy.

"It will not be easy - but he's done it before and he is the right guy," Graveney told BBC Five Live.

When you are in this part of the world you have to adapt very quickly Ian Bell

Ian Bell, who missed the defeat to Pakistan A in Lahore, is set to come back into the team for Multan.

And Essex youngster Alastair Cook set off for Pakistan on Thursday to supplement the batting ranks.

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

"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."

Although scans on Vaughan's injury have not pinpointed obvious serious damage, he had surgery on his right knee in 2002 and missed a Test two years later with a problem in the same joint.

An England spokesman said: "Trescothick will continue to lead the side if Vaughan is unavailable for any remaining matches on the tour.

"Vaughan will continue to receive treatment and a further update will be issued in due course."

Feature: Cricketing knee injuries

England had a net session on Thursday which Vaughan watched from the sidelines.

There will be a heavy police presence during England's stay in Multan with 3,000 officers on hand to provide security.

District police officer Munir Ahmed Chishtie said: "The security will be tight round the clock."