LAHORE, Oct 17: Pakistan’s leading pace bowler Mohammad Asif will miss the first two matches of the five One-day International series against South Africa due to an elbow injury.

Chief selector Salahuddin Ahmed, speaking to Dawn after watching Asif in the training session on Wednesday, said: “Though Asif is looking almost fully fit, we have decided to give him some rest so that he can recover from his elbow problem. He will, therefore, be rested in the first two ODIs.”

He added that Asif was country’s key bowler and proper rest would also ensure a trouble-free tour of India for him next month.

Asif’s absence will provide an opportunity for young and talented Shoail Tanvir to make his mark after his impressive performance in the Twenty20 World Championship in South Africa last month.