On 23 May 2020, he tested positive for COVID-19 and he insisted that he didn't develop cautious symptoms.
However, he only missed two of 24 Tests Pakistan played between August 2001 and April 2004, and after 17 Tests his batting average had reached 48.03 after he made four scores above 50 in the two-Test series with South Africa.
With exquisite drives either side of the wicket, a formidable cut and pull shot in the armoury and possessing the natural gift of timing, he seemed the very answer to Pakistan's opening problem especially against a full strength South African attack in South Africa (2003).
Against West Indies, he scored a century and then a brilliant double hundred against Sri Lanka at UAE.
After the series, he was dropped from the squad, until his later comeback for a single test match in 2014 against New Zealand.