Play was halted after tea on the second day of the second test between Pakistan and England [Images] after a gas cylinder exploded, a security official said on Tuesday.

The players huddled together in the middle of the ground surrounded by security personnel. The bang came from the signboards at the square leg boundary.

Play resumed soon afterwards with England batting.

The official said that a gas cylinder which was standing in front of a drinks dispensing machine in front of the packed Taslim Arif Stand had exploded.

There was no apparent spectator injury, according to the official, although television pictures appeared to show a man receiving medical treatment.

The England team have received special security protection during the tour.