Batsman Taufeeq Umar has been ruled out of Pakistan's three-Test series against South Africa due to a shin injury.

Umar suffered the injury while batting in the nets prior to last week's four-day tour fixture against a South African Invitational XI at Buffalo Park in East London.

"The team management has informed us that the injury Taufeeq sustained during nets is of serious nature and after MRI scans doctors have advised him three to four weeks rest to make a complete recovery," said a Pakistan Cricket Board official.

Taufeeq has been replaced by fellow left-hander Imran Farhat, who is expected to arrive in the country before the start of the series opener at the Wanderers in Johannesburg on Friday.