England focused on success

Captain Michael Vaughan trials the contact lenses

Captain Michael Vaughan is among a handful of players experimenting with revolutionary contact lenses in England’s opening tour match in India.

Five of the tourists are to ditch their familiar sunglasses in favour of red-tinted lenses, supplied by two manufacturers, Oakley and Bausch & Lomb, in partnership with Nike.

Matt Prior, who wears prescription contact lenses normally, first used the lenses - which enhance sight in bright light - on the pre-Christmas tour of Pakistan.

This week Vaughan, Marcus Trescothick, Andrew Strauss and Ian Blackwell have been testing out neutral lenses in the Brabourne Stadium nets and could opt to wear them in the three-day contest with a Cricket Club of India President’s XI, starting on Saturday.

“They are like sunglasses in improving sight and reducing glare,” said an England spokesman.

“The lenses don’t restrict a player’s peripheral vision like glasses do, however, and don’t get steamed up or covered in sweat.”

Kevin Pietersen reveals his new haircut © Getty Images

Another cosmetic change took place overnight when Kevin Pietersen, who famously sported a blue stripe through his hair during the Ashes victory last summer, emerged with his head completely shaved.

Pietersen’s Hampshire team-mate Shaun Udal, one of three spinners in the party, may not be fit for the opening day of the practice match due to his left side strain.

Although the 36-year-old, who reported discomfort on Thursday, rolled his arm over on the outfield, he did not bowl in the full net session.

Vice-captain Trescothick remained behind at the team hotel feeling unwell but there was better news for Matthew Hoggard, who played a full part having complained of a stomach bug earlier in the week.