Pakistan wicket-keeper Zulqarnain Haider is in danger of missing this week's Third Test against England because of an injury,
Zulqarnain, who scored 88 on his Test debut at Edgbaston this month, has suffered a hairline fracture to his little finger. Zulqarnain was seen inspecting his hand after being struck by a ball thrown at him by Stuart Broad during that innings, a gesture that saw Broad fined about £3,000 and admonished by match referee Ranjan Madugalle.
Zulqarnain also hurt his little finger while practising during the two-match series against Australia last month. He started to feel discomfort again in Pakistan's tour match against Worcestershire last week.
It is not certain what caused the break but Zulqarnain's chances of playing at The Brit Insurance Oval appear slight. His absence would probably mean a recall for Kamran Akmal, who was dropped after making a series of mistakes in the First Test.
With Pakistan beaten comprehensively in the first two npower Tests, Mohammad Yousuf is likely to be recalled for this match, which starts on Wednesday. Yousuf returned to the squad in Birmingham but was not chosen in the XI as he had arrived in the country less than 24 hours before the Test began.
"I am not entirely Test-match fit, but I will use my experience, as my country needs me," said Yousuf. "I will do my best to help guide the younger players."
Pakistan have struggled to cope with England's new ball attack but Australia captain Ricky Ponting believes his batting line-up are well equipped to deal with the likes of James Anderson and Broad when the Ashes series starts in November.
"I have got confidence in our batting, that they are good enough to win an Ashes series. That's what I will be pressing on the guys over the next month," said Ponting.
