Razzaq to miss S Africa Test series after injury

Karachi: Pakistan allrounder Abdul Razzaq has been ruled out of the upcoming Test cricket series against SouthAfrica due to a calf muscle injury in his right leg.

"Razzaq has a grade two tear in his right calf muscle and has been advised complete rest for four weeks," a top official PakistanCricket Board said on Friday.

"He hurt himself during the final one-dayer against West Indies this month and was complaining of pain. He underwent which showed upthe tear," PCB Director Saleem Altaf said.

Razzaq, who has played 46 Tests and 224 one-day internationals,has been an integral part of the Pakistan team owing to his senority and experience.

Altaf said Razzaq had been advised an initial four-week rest period but he might require more time to gain full fitness.

Pakistan play the first Test in Johannesburg from January 11 followed by Tests in Port Elizabeth from Jan 19 and in Cape Town from Jan 26.

National selector Iqbal Qasim said the selectors would now probably look for a replacement in a two-day conditioning camp being held in Lahore on December 28 and 29.

"We are not really sure when he will be available for selection now," he said.