Inzamam to miss first Test

[Hasib]

Inzamam to miss first Test


Pakistan have lost their captain and most experienced batsman Inzamam-ul-Haq for the first Test against South Africa starting on Friday.
"He needs at least a week's rest to recover from his hamstring strain," said Pakistan manager Haroon Rasheed.

However, vice-captain Yousuf Youhana, also suffering from a hamstring problem, is expected to be available.

Pakistan held a 2-0 lead in the one-day series before losing it 3-2 and South Africa are favourites for the Tests.

Youhana led the side in the third and fourth matches of the recent one-day series in Inzamam's absence.

Meanwhile Pakistan could have opener Taufiq Umar back for the first Test.

He has made a good recovery from the knee injury that forced him out midway through the series against Bangladesh and to miss the one-dayers against South Africa.

Umar, a left hander, was Pakistan's top scorer at the start of the year in the Two tests in South Africa.

Less hopeful of getting the nod is Mohammad Hafeez.

The only player to appear in all 22 one-dayers and three Tests played by Pakistan since the World Cup, he is almost certain to be dropped.

Inzamam publicly said on Monday that he didn't think Hafeez would play for his country again.

Meanwhile, fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar and all-rounder Shoaib Malik could find themselves in hot water.

They attended a fashion show in Islamabad the night before the final one-day game, which South Africa won by seven wickets.

"Our curfew is 11pm. I think they were back by then, but if anyone breaks the discipline, action will be taken against him," Inzamam warned.