``The toe is still sore and Azharuddin continues to experience pain, especially when he wears shoes,'' team officials said this evening. They said a final decision on whether Azharuddin could play in Friday's match or not would be taken tomorrow.

The officials said one option being considered was to let Azharuddin play after giving him a painkiller. The effect of the injection would last for about eight to 10 hours, enough to see him through the match, they said.

Azharuddin was hit by the ball on the big toe of his right foot while batting against England on Friday. X-rays showed that the batsman had not broken any bones but there is a blood clot which normally takes about a week to dissolve, they explained. He did not field during England's innings and also missed the next two matches against England on Sunday and Pakistanon Tuesday.