The moment of impact

"But whatever way you look at it, it's a blow because when you're playing well you want to keep a bat in your hand."

Hussain's predecessor, Alec Stewart, will act as skipper for the rest of the game.

But Hussain said his replacement had yet to be determined.

"We'll not make a decision until the end of the match when the three selectors and myself will decide who takes over for the next four weeks but we do want some consistency," the 33-year-old said.

As well as the second Test at Old Trafford, he could miss the start of the triangular one-day series, also involving Australia, which begins on 7 June.

Hussain has suffered a series of hand injuries during his career.

Hussain's thumb was strapped up at hospital

He missed the 1996 Lord's Test against Pakistan after breaking his right index finger and broke the middle finger on the same hand while fielding against New Zealand two years ago.

Last summer he broke his left thumb while playing for Essex and had to watch from the sidelines as Alec Stewart led England to victory in the Lord's Test against West Indies.

The one piece of good news arising from the latest injury is that he will now be free for the birth of his first child, which is due on 1 June.

"I think my wife will be the only pleased person in the stands at the moment," Hussain added.