Karachi, Dec 4 : Pakistan's regular captain Younis Khan seems unlikely to make his comeback with the tour of Australia starting next month after skipping the country's premier first-class tournament because of a freak accident.

Younis, who is a fishing fanatic, injured his foot after slipping on a sharp-edged stone while indulging in his favourite hobby at a fishing spot near his Karachi residence.

According to sources close to Younis, the injury is not of a serious nature. However, it was because of the accident that Younis decided against playing in the ninth round of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy - Pakistan's biggest domestic tournament - which got underway Thursday. Younis was to lead group A leaders Habib Bank in the tournament.

His decision to stay away from the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy though the national selectors want him to play in the event to prove his form, has put question mark on his chances of returning to the Pakistan team on its tour of Australia, which will start with the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne from Nov 26.

Younis stepped aside from the current Test tour of New Zealand after leading his team to a disappointing 1-2 defeat against the Kiwis in a one-day series in Abu Dhabi last month. At that time, Younis announced that he wanted to take a break from international cricket. Last week, he said that he wanted to return for the series against Australia.

Sources told IANS Friday that the national selectors want Younis to prove his form and fitness before considering him for the series against Australia that will include three Tests, five One-Day Internationals and a Twenty20 game.

Sources also said that the selectors are now of the view that Younis himself might not be interested in joining his team for the tour of Australia. In that case, they will have to decide about the captaincy for that tough series.

At present, senior batsman Mohammad Yousuf is leading Pakistan in New Zealand but his appointment is just for the three Tests against the Black Caps. It remains to be seen whether Pakistan will stick with Yousuf or find another captain for the series against Australia in case Younis decides against making a comeback.(IANS)