Fast bowler Asif and batsman Malik both have elbow injuries and were among several leading Pakistan players who missed the first Test at Lord's, the opening encounter of the four-match npower series.

But while Pakistan tour manager Zaheer Abbas was hopeful Asif could still play a role in the Tests, he ruled Malik out although he was cautiously optimistic that the batsman, who has played county cricket for Gloucestershire, could return in time for the one-day series starting in August.

"Asif and Malik have both flown home to Pakistan," Zaheer told AFP at Lord's on Saturday.

"There is very little chance of Malik playing in the Test series. But he might return for the one-day series.

"Asif wants to go back for some rest and if he gets fit he could be back for the third or fourth Test," Pakistan batting great Zaheer added.

Uncapped paceman Samiullah Niazi has already been summoned as cover and Zaheer said further replacements were on the way to bolster both Pakistan's batting and bowling.

"Taufeeq Umer (opening batsman) and Rao Iftikhar (medium-pacer) are flying to England in the next couple of days," explained Zaheer, who was philosophical about Pakistan's injury crisis.

"Injuries are part and parcel of the game. It's disappointing to lose a bowler like Asif but we can do nothing about it," insisted Zaheer, one of Gloucestershire's overseas stars in the 1970s.