An unconvincing net session by injured Pakistan opener Saeed Anwar increased speculation he will miss his side’s opening World Cup match against Australia at The Wanderers on Tuesday.

Anwar, who suffered a severely bruised left elbow when he was hit by a delivery from team mate Shoaib Akhtar last week, batted briefly against a bowling machine on Monday.

He was seen flexing his arm afterwards. Earlier he took part in a fielding drill but did not throw the ball over-arm.

Pakistan captain Waqar Younis rated the 34-year-old as “50-50″ to play, but with a ready-made replacement in left-hander Taufeeq Umar available, Anwar seems likely to be left out with the hope he is ready for their second match in Group A against Namibia on Sunday.

He’s recovered very well but we will have a look this evening to see how he is,” said Waqar.

“We have the option of Taufeeq Umar who has batted well in the recent tests against South Africa and Shahid Afridi can also come good at the top of the order.”

Anwar is Pakistan’s only injury doubt for the match that is a re-run of 1999’s final, which Australia won by eight wickets.

Since then, although Pakistan have enjoyed occasional successes against Tuesday’s opponents, Australia have generally helds way and they won the recent Test series 3-0 with two innings wins, one of them inside two days.

Waqar played down the significance of those results, claiming they came when his side was under-strength.

“We were missing a few of our senior players like Inzamam-ul-Haq and Yousuf Youhana and although we bowled pretty well we struggled in the batting.

“Now we have our main batters back as well as (Abdul) Razzaq and things are looking good in the camp.

“The team spirit is the best it has been for six months, we have had injuries and problems but now the team looks really good.”