As if Pakistan's plans had not been thrown into complete disarray already, it has been announced that Yousuf Youhana is likely to join the list of absentees from next month's Test series against Australia. A bone scan has revealed that Youhana has a shoulder injury, a problem which first came to light last month when he was controversially sent home from a one-day tournament in Kenya. Youhana had apparently been excused net practice by the team doctor after mentioning the problem, although this cut no ice with his captain, Waqar Younis, and a heated row ensued.

Chishty Mujahid, the director of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) described the injury as "unfortunate", and added: "[Youhana] may not be able to play the series against Australia, and he may return home before Pakistan's last match in the Champions Trophy later this week."

Youhana, the only Christian in the Pakistan squad, has been one of their most dependable batsmen in recent years. He has scored 2823 runs in 39 Test matches, including nine centuries, at an average of 47.84. His contribution to Pakistan's Champions Trophy campaign, however, lasted all of one ball - he was run out at the non-striker's end, an incident that has attracted the attention of the ICC's Anti Corruption Unit.

But Youhana's absence will leave Pakistan's batting line-up dangerously short on class. Inzamam-ul-Haq requires surgery on his injured heel and will also be missing, while Saeed Anwar has opted out of the series in protest at Australia's refusal to tour Pakistan.

Wasim Akram is the third high-profile absentee - apparently he wants to concentrate on the build-up to the World Cup - while the sacking of the coach, Mudassar Nazar, has done little for the stability of the squad. The first Test begins in Colombo on October 3, and the other two Tests will be played in Sharjah.

© Wisden CricInfo Ltd