 Umar already averages 43 in Test cricket |
Pakistan batsman Taufiq Umar will miss home series against South Africa and New Zealand because of serious knee injuries. The left-handed opener had to pull out of the third Test against Bangladesh in Multan and a scan has revealed problems in both knees which will require surgery.
"He requires two weeks of complete rest to recover from the acute phase and will then be operated upon, which will take him a further 10 weeks to recover [from]," said team doctor Riaz Ahmed.
Taufiq has scored 1,128 runs in 15 Tests, including three centuries, and has also appeared in 17 one-day internationals.
He is seen as a natural successor to Saeed Anwar, who recently retired from the game.
"It has come at the worst possible time," said chairman of selectors Aamir Sohail.
"He is an establsihed opener who had gained experience and was ready to perform against formidable opponents like South Africa."
Pakistan will play three one-dayers and three Tests against South Africa, who arrive later this month following their tour to England.
New Zealand's tour begins in December.
MMIX
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