"We're the first batch," said veteran supporter Phil Long as he and three of his colleagues crammed into a taxi bound for Pindi stadium, where England are playing their tour opener against the Pakistan Cricket Board Patron's XI.

"It's as important a tour as the Ashes for England, and beating Pakistan in their den could be even tougher than beating the Australians," said Long.

The "Barmy Army" are famous for their raucous cheers and humorous songs and travel across the globe to cheer England, who are still on a high from last month's 2-1 Ashes series win against Australia, their first in 18 years.

Pakistan cricket officials are hoping a larger than usual number of English fans will come for the series, drawn by mounting interest in the game after the Ashes.

The tour is expected to bring a windfall to hoteliers in Pakistan who are anticipating full houses in the Test venue cities of Multan, Faisalabad and Lahore.

Long's three companions Keith Smith, John Freeman and Jonathon Dyson -- all from the English county of Leicestershire -- intend to stay in Pakistan for the whole tour on a budget of 89 dollars a day (50 pounds).

"It's fun to be in Pakistan," said Smith, 21, who thinks England are on a roll and will beat Pakistan.

"Both teams are balanced and it'll be an exciting series," added Freeman.

Smith said another batch of fans will arrive in the eastern city of Lahore next week for England's second warm-up match, followed by more ahead of the first Test in Multan from November 12.

He insisted they faced no security problems in Rawaplindi, despite earlier concerns by England officials which led to one Test being shifted from the volatile southern city of Karachi.

"There are no fears and we've been well received in Pakistan," he said.

The England and Wales Cricket Board agreed to play only a limited overs international in Karachi and have also said they have security worries for the Barmy Army during the tour.

The Barmy Army members also welcomed the Pakistan Cricket Board's decision to offer free tickets for the Tests -- although for security reasons the tickets must be collected from the stadiums a day before the match.

"It's nice to hear that tickets will be available free," said Freeman.

(Article: Copyright © 2005 AFP)