Seven runs later, though, his dreams were in shambles as he retired hurt with a cracked index finger - an injury that has, since, kept him out of the Essex side in the ongoing county championships.

With the first Test against Pakistan less than a week away, Hussain is now hoping to make a comeback. And his fate depends on whether, or not, he manages to turn out for Essex against Nottinghamshire this Sunday - coincidentally, the same day that England selectors meet in London to select the side for the first Test against Pakistan beginning at Lord's Thursday.

Interestingly, if Hussain fails to make the grade then his slot will be taken by another player who had cracked his finger against India, this time in the first Test, and who has since returned to full fitness and form. Nick Knight, the player in question, proved that his finger injury was fully healed with a fighting 90-odd runs that steered Warwickshire to a win against the touring Pakistan side Friday.