Taufeeq Umar a doubt for first Test after leg injury

Johannesburg: Pakistan opener Taufeeq Umar has emerged as a major injury doubt ahead of the first Test in Johannesburg starting Friday after failing to recover from an injury, according to ESPNcricinfo. It has been reported that the team management is awaiting the results of an MRI scan and that Taufeeq did not practice with the team in the week leading up to the series opener.

Taufeeq had missed the drawn tour match against a South African Invitation XI, thus opening a spot for the uncapped opener Nasir Jamshed, and should he miss the Wanderers Test it would create a debut opportunity for Jamshed. The 23-year-old followed a superb run of form in the ODI series win in India with scores of 68 and 51 against in the three-day match and may end up partnering Mohammad Hafeez in the first Test.

Taufeeq, 31, has been a regular member of Pakistan's Test squad since returning to international cricket in November 20. In 18 matches since he was recalled, Taufeeq has scored 1214 runs at an average of 37.93 with three centuries and five fifties.

If the opener does not recover in time, Nasir Jamshed will be in line for a debut in Johannesburg.

Pakistan play three Tests in South Africa followed by a couple Twenty20 internationals and five ODIs.

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