Wellington, Dec 25: Yousuf Youhana happily tucked into a celebratory Christmas lunch here today while his teammates barely batted an eyelid on the eve of Pakistan's second cricket Test against New Zealand. Vice-captain Youhana, the only Christian in the Pakistan squad, celebrated Christmas day with his wife Tania and said there were never any problems with his teammates of Muslim faith who do not observe Christmas.

"I usually get cards from them and they always make it a special day for me," he said.

Youhana said the last time the team were in camp on Christmas day, teammate Rashid Latif took him out for lunch to celebrate.

Otherwise it was a routine day for the tourists who had a relaxed morning before training at the basin reserve.

In the opposition camp, New Zealand's cricketers played Santa Claus to make the day for some hospitalised children.

Three players -- Daniel Vettori, Lou Vincent and Ian Butler -- handed out gifts to children in Wellington Hospital.

It was a regular routine for the Black Caps who have spent four of the past five Christmas days assembled in Wellington, a day out from the traditional December 26 Test.

After the hospital visit, the players assembled for training at the basin reserve before gathering at their hotel with partners for the traditional Christmas lunch.
Bureau Report