DURHAM are keeping a close eye on Shoaib Akhtar's attempts to ensure Pakistan do not become the first country to lose a Test match to Bangladesh.
If he succeeds they are expecting him back in time to play in the championship match at Northampton, starting next Wednesday. If he fails they are not so sure.
"I spoke to him a couple of days ago and he said he would be straight back after this Test," said Durham coach Martyn Moxon. "But I will be happier when he hits the tarmac at Heathrow."
After suffering vomiting and dizzy spells on the first day, Shoaib wore an ice jacket and took six wickets as Bangladesh collapsed from 310 for two to 361 all out.
Pakistan were all out for 295 then Shoaib quickly removed the Bangladesh openers before they closed the third day on 52 for four, leading by 118.
Defeat for Pakistan would leave the series level and there is a danger that Shoaib would then be pressurised into staying for the decider.
Durham will again have Stephen Harmison in the side as they attempt to continue their National League revival with a third successive win at Derby tomorrow.
The England selectors have delayed naming the side for the fifth Test until tomorrow, but they had told Durham Harmison can play at Derby even if he is in the Test team.
Liam Plunkett is also available after completing his England Under-19 commitments, but Durham have decided to stand by the bowlers who dismissed Sussex for 137 on Tuesday.
"There was a bit in the pitch and we bowled in good areas, but I am expecting a sterner test at Derby," said Moxon.
"They have been in good one-day form and they are two points ahead of us, so it could be a pivotal match as we are both trying to get out of the bottom five."
With three games left, Durham also need to climb above Nottinghamshire, who are six points ahead, if they are to finish fifth and avoid playing another first-class county in the fourth round of the C & G Trophy next season.
Nicky Peng has flu, so Gordon Muchall will return, while Vince Wells is still suffering from his wrist injury and will not play at Derby or Northampton.
Durham are to retain Phil Mustard behind the stumps in preference to Andrew Pratt, although Moxon admitted the situation is under review.
"Phil had contributed well until his recent dodgy spell with the bat," he said.
"We are always trying to be fair to whoever has the place and he has only failed in one four-day game. We will see how he goes this week."
Durham: J J B Lewis (capt), M L Love, G J Muchall, P D Collingwood, G J Pratt, A M Thorpe, P Mustard, G Bridge, N Killeen, A M Davies, S J Harmison
Read more about Durham here.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article