Pakistan's modest batting performance in the first Test has prompted the team hierarchy to call for former captain Younus Khan to be rushed to Australia.
As if looking for an excuse to have one of its most experienced players called up, the touring management has wasted no time contacting the Pakistan Cricket Board once the line-up struggled on a flat Melbourne pitch.
Pakistan was bowled out for 258 with only exciting youngster Umar Akmal and the recalled Misbah-ul-Haq managing half-centuries. Before the Test, new captain Mohammad Yousuf made no secret how important his predecessor was to the team.
"We will miss him," Yousuf said. "He's a very experienced player and a very good team player as well and has performed all over the world."
He even hinted before the Test started on Boxing Day that Pakistan would consider asking for Younus. It will be touch and go whether he will arrive before the second Test in Sydney which begins on Sunday.
Team management has called up Iqbal Qasim, Pakistan's chief selector, to say they need Younus.
Younus abandoned the captaincy after losing a one-day series to New Zealand in Abu Dhabi. He walked away from all cricket, claiming he needed to rest. His failure to play domestic cricket cost him a place in the original touring party to Australia but he is now playing again.
